Why won’t shasta daisies work for me?

For two years now I’ve planted a shasta daisy that has failed to come back in the spring. It’s in a sunny garden where everything else thrives and it’s got lots of room so I can’t figure it out. I’ve always heard shastas are hardy. I’m thinking about switching to something else this year. What do you think? Thanks - Ashley

Many people have a love hate relationship with Shasta Daisies. This is what I am guessing to be the problem. Success is all about the variety. If you go to the garden center there are a number of different varieties on the market. Each has some advantage over the other based on the flower. But in my humble experience the only Shasta Daisy that is truly perennial in Kansas City is the variety ‘Becky.’ Every other variety tends to be short lived. As for culture for best growth and flowering they would prefer a fertile, organically enriched soil and even moisture. Deadheading and moisture will help the plant bloom most of the summer. Hot, dry and no deadheading, very little repeat flowering. Hope that helps and let us know if you have follow up questions – Dennis – Johnson County Extension

This story was originally published April 25, 2014 at 9:53 AM with the headline "Why won’t shasta daisies work for me?."