Oxeye daisy: complete guide

Overview

Oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), also known as dog daisy or marguerite, is a robust perennial plant from the Asteraceae family, native to Europe and Russia to the Far East. This elegant flower reaches 30-90 cm in height and is known for its classic, large flower heads with white petals and yellow center.

Oxeye daisy grows wild in meadows, along roadsides, and in weedy places. It is highly bird-friendly and honeybee-friendly, making it ideal for ecological and wildflower gardens.

Appearance & Bloom

Oxeye daisy forms a compact rosette with linear to lanceolate, coarsely toothed leaves of dark green. The stems are upright-growing, green, leafed.

From May to August, large, single flower heads of 40-50 mm diameter appear with 15-25 white petals around a gold-yellow center. These are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and honeybees and produce abundant nectar.

Ideal Location

Oxeye daisy grows in full sun to half shade. Suitable for borders, meadows, and wild corners.

• Light requirement: Full sun to half shade (minimum 4 hours sunlight)
• Drainage: Good to excellent draining
• Temperature: Hardy to -20°C (USDA zone 4)
• Height: 30-90 cm

Soil Requirements

Oxeye daisy grows on nearly all soils, including poor ground. Poor soil leads to more flowers; rich soil to more foliage.

• pH: 5.0-8.0 (highly tolerant)
• Moisture: Dry to moderately moist
• Nutrition: No fertilization needed; too-rich soil suppresses flowering

Watering

Water requirement minimal after establishment. During dry periods (>21 days without rain), spray weekly.

• Frequency: Weekly during growth; as needed after establishment
• Method: Bottom watering
• Total need: 300-400 mm per season

Pruning & Maintenance

Remove faded flower heads for longer bloom. Leave some seed for natural self-sowing. In fall, cut back to 10 cm.

Maintenance Calendar

• March-April: Shoots appear; divide plant parts
• May-August: Bloom
• August-September: Seed production
• October-November: Plant senescence

Winter Hardiness

Hardy to -20°C (USDA zone 4). Snow cover helps; plant parts overwinter underground.

Companion Planting

Combine in natural plantings with:

• Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)
• Viper's bugloss (Echium vulgare)
• Larkspur (Delphinium)
• Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Final Thoughts

Oxeye daisy is a beautiful, low-maintenance choice for ecological gardens and honeybee years. At gardenworld.app, discover more on wildflower gardens and native flower mixes. Perfect for summer meadows!

Want more ideas for bee gardens and wildflower mixes? Visit gardenworld.app and download our wildflower guide.