Anthemis Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

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

Garden Chamomile, Dyer's Chamomile, Dog fennel, & Golden Marguerite: Cultivation & Garden Use

The hardy perennial Anthemis typically flowers from summer until the autumn.

Description of Anthemis

Anthemis are upright plants that typically grow to between six inches to three feet (15 to 90 cm) in height.

Chamomile have daisy like flowers of white or yellow, and green or silver scented leaves. They make ideal border plants and can also be used in rockeries, and in dry stone walls.

George F. Russell @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database Smithsonian Institution, Dept. of Systematic Biology, Botany.

The flowers of chamomile have many health benefits, and are often drank as a tea. The chamomile tea drink is made from Matricaria.

Anthemis tinctoria (Dyer's Chamomile) by Tanaka Juuyoh.

How to Grow Chamomile and other Anthemis Species

It is best to sow Anthemis seeds on the soil surface, with a spacing of between one to two feet (30 to 60 cm).

Chamomile should be sown out in either early spring or early autumn.

Garden Chamomile / Dog fennel / Golden marguerite prefers to be grown in full sunlight, but is able to grow in lightly shaded areas.

The soil type is not that important, but should be well drained and slightly limey.

When starting Anthemis off from seed indoors, it generally takes around eight to fifteen days to germinate.

Ideally seeds should be planted eight to ten weeks before planting out in the early spring, when a there is still a chance of a light frost, or in the early autumn.

Caring for Anthemis

Chamomile and other members of the Anthemis are easy to care for, however the plants are susceptible to mildew; this can be avoided by planting in an area where air can circulate.

If plants are tall, it may be necessary to stake them during periods of heavy rainfall and high winds.

It is important to divide the Anthemis plants every three years or so to eliminate deterioration of plants.

Common Questions

How many members does the Anthemis genus contain?

The Anthemis genus comprises approximately 100 species of aromatic flowering plants.

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

Yes, Anthemis species are popular in gardens for their daisy-like flowers, resilience to drought, and attractive foliage.

Which Anthemis species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The most frequently grown species is Anthemis tinctoria, or Golden marguerite, loved for its yellow daisy-like flowers.

How to Encourage Chamomile to Keep flowering?

To encourage chamomile to contimue flowering, it is necessary to regularly remove spent flowers. This will stimulate the plant to produce new blooms. Be sure bo grow chamomile plants in full sun, and provide consistent moisture to support full flowering potential.

Is Chamomile Drought Tolerant?

Chamomile is pretty drought tolerant once established. That said it will perform best in a soil that is consistently moist. So ideally provide adequate watering during dry periods.

Are members of the Anthemis fragrant?

Yes, many Anthemis plant species have fragrant foliage, releasing a pleasant aroma when touched.

What is the perfect location to grow Anthemis?

Anthemis prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can tolerate a variety of soil conditions, including poor and dry soils.

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

While Anthemis can spread through self-seeding, it is not generally considered invasive in the USA.

How do I remove Anthemis from my garden?

To remove Anthemis, you can manually pull out the plants, ensuring to remove the entire root system to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Anthemis genus, part of the Asteraceae family, consists of around 100 species. They are native to the Mediterranean region and Western Asia. These perennial plants are known for their daisy-like, yellow or white flowers and aromatic, finely divided leaves, making them both aesthetically pleasing and useful in herbal medicine.

Anthemis plants prefer locations with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant once established, making them a suitable choice for xeriscaping or low-water gardens. Anthemis species are generally not fussy about soil type and can thrive in poor soils, providing they are well-drained. Regular deadheading of spent flowers can help prolong the blooming period and keep the plants looking neat.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Anthemis plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Cladanthus, Safflower, and Cosmos plants.