Anacyclus Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 21st Nov 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Anacyclus plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Mount Atlas Daisy, Spanish Chamomile, & White Buttons: Cultivation & Garden Use

The common names for the Hardy perennial Anacyclus pyrethrum are Mount Atlas Daisy and Spanish Chamomile.

The plant typically flowers in the spring until the middle of summer.

Description of Anacyclus

Members of the Anacyclus genus are small alpine plants with daisy like white or yellow flowers.

As a consequence of the plants small height they are ideal for rockeries or for growing in the gaps of dry stone walls.

They are a member of the Asteraceae family. This makes them closely related to about 32,000 species, many of which, such as Aster, Lettuce, Artichoke and Sunflowers, are commonly grown in the garden.

Anacyclus officinarum diagram and Anacyclus clavatus photograph from wikipics.

How to Grow Anacyclus

It is best to sow Mount atlas daisies and similar species just below the soil surface, with a spacing of 30 to 20 cm in the autumn.

Anacyclus prefers to grow in full sunlit conditions.

The soil should be dry and gritty, the plant will not tolerate limey soils.

Anacyclus requires between one and two months to germinate at a temperature of around 15 degrees centigrade if starting growth off inside.

The seeds should be imbibed at 4 degrees centigrade in the fridge before planting out in the spring or autumn.

Caring for Anacyclus

Anacyclus looks after itself, but for best results it is a good idea to trim back the plants following flowering.

Common Questions

How many members does the Anacyclus genus have?

The Anacyclus genus is small with around 23 species. These are herbaceous plants in the Asteraceae family.

Do members of Anacyclus make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Anacyclus species like Anacyclus pyrethrum can make attractive additions to a rock garden or border edge due to their low growth and daisy-like flowers.

Which Anacyclus species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

Anacyclus pyrethrum, also known as Spanish Chamomile or Mount Atlas Daisy, is most commonly cultivated due to its ornamental appeal.

Are members of the Anacyclus plant genus fragrant?

No, plants in the Anacyclus genus are not typically fragrant.

What is the perfect location to grow Anacyclus?

Anacyclus prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's very drought-tolerant, making it suitable for rock gardens or similar dry environments.

Is Anacyclus invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Anacyclus is not currently thought invasive in the USA.

How do I remove Anacyclus plants from my garden?

These plants can be removed by carefully digging them out, ensuring to remove the entire root system to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Anacyclus genus, part of the Asteraceae family, includes a small number of species native to North Africa, southern Europe, and western Asia. Anacyclus pyrethrum, also known as pellitory or Spanish chamomile, is grown for its daisy-like white flowers with a yellow center and fern-like foliage.

Anacyclus plants thrive in full sun and prefer well-drained soil. They are excellent for rock gardens or for planting in the crevices of a stone wall. These plants are drought tolerant and can thrive in poor soils. After flowering, they form a mat of attractive, feathery leaves, providing interest even when not in bloom.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on Anacyclus. You may also enjoy the following garden growing guides: How to grow Lettuce and Aster plants.