CHRYSANTHEMUM. Widespread. Perennial, sometimes shrubby daisies with highly variable features. Many have been reassigned to other genera in recent years, though it is difficult to know which of the new designations will stick, and which will be overturned by further work. I will continue to use the “old” (actually, sometimes quite recent) names for now, with cross-references to the changes. Most of these plants prefer sun. Some need well drained soil and only moderate to occasional watering; others tolerate heavy soils and need regular watering to thrive. Hardy in the following to below 0^oF.

maximum (Leucanthemum maximum). Shasta daisy. This is the white daisy many of us grew up with, and probably didn’t think much about. In its typical form, it is a tall (to 3’+), lush plant with heavy stems, coarsely toothed leaves and large white flower heads. Several modern hybrids are more refined. ‘Esther Read’ (or Reed; it appears both ways in reputable texts) is smaller and boasts fully double flowers. The dwarfest seed strains, like ‘Miss Muffet’ and ‘Snow Lady’, have large single flower heads on stems about 1’ tall. These are good plants for borders and bouquets, but need regular watering and fertilizing for good appearance. They also make excellent fodder for snails.

weyrichii (Dendranthema weyrichii). This is a candidate for rock gardens and low borders. It spreads slowly by stolons to make small mats, with short, fleshy shoots circled by attractively cut, shiny dark green leaves. In mid to late spring it carries large mauve flower heads just above the leaves.