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Anthemis spp.

Chamomiles

Asteraceae

Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and south-western Asia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (moderate)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 3–8

Overview

Anthemis spp. is a genus of about 100 to 175 aromatic plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae), native to Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and south-western Asia. The genus takes in both annuals and short-lived perennials, generally 15-90 cm (6-36 in) tall, with finely divided, fern-like leaves that are often grey-green and release a chamomile-like scent when crushed. From late spring through summer the plants carry single daisy flowers 2-4 cm (0.8-1.6 in) across, each with white or yellow ray florets around a raised yellow disc, held on slender stems above the foliage. Several species, including the golden marguerite (A. tinctoria), bloom heavily over many weeks and were once used to make a yellow dye. Most species grow on dry, sunny, well-drained ground and tolerate poor soil and drought, but the perennials are often short-lived and need dividing or replacing every few years. A few, such as stinking chamomile (A. cotula), are weeds of disturbed ground, and their foliage can irritate the skin of some people. The flowers draw bees, hoverflies, and butterflies.

Native Range

Anthemis spp. is native to Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, North Africa, and western Asia, with many species centred on the eastern Mediterranean. Several species have naturalised as weeds in North America and elsewhere.

Suggested Uses

Anthemis spp. species are grown in sunny borders, gravel and cottage gardens, and wildflower plantings, and the silver-leaved kinds edge dry beds and paths. The long-stemmed daisies are cut for the vase. Their nectar and pollen draw a range of bees and other beneficial insects.

How to Identify

A crushed leaf of most Anthemis spp. species gives off a chamomile-like scent, and the foliage is finely cut and fern-like, often grey-green. The flowers are single daisies with white or yellow rays and a domed yellow centre, borne one per stem. Anthemis is separated from true chamomile (Chamaemelum spp., Matricaria spp.) by details of the seed and the chaffy scales among the disc florets.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 3'

Width/Spread1' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering runs from late spring through summer and is most prolonged in the perennial border species. Removing faded flowers extends bloom and limits self-seeding. In hot, dry summers flowering may pause and resume as conditions ease.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white or yellow with a yellow centre

Foliage Description

green to grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand chalk

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Time to Maturity

1 year

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in full sun on light, sharply drained soil at a pH of 6.0-7.5 and tolerate chalk and poor ground. Once established they withstand heat and drought, while damp, heavy, or shaded sites cause weak growth and rot. Perennial species are short-lived and are kept vigorous by division every two to three years. Cutting plants back after the first flush of bloom encourages fresh foliage and a second flowering. Little feeding is needed, as rich soil produces floppy stems.

Pruning

Shearing the plants back by about half after the main flowering tidies them and brings a repeat display. Spent flower stems are removed through the season to prolong bloom. Perennials are cut to a low rosette in autumn or late winter.