Chamomile

Chamomile's dainty daisylike blooms glisten when dew-spangled and glow in moonlight. Carpet a garden path or patio with Roman chamomile, a flowering groundcover that releases a delicate fragrance when crushed underfoot. Use this herbal groundcover in the garden to edge beds with a feathery, fast-spreading quilt or to cascade artfully over the rim of containers. German chamomile is a bushy beauty that's a favorite among bees and butterflies. Tucked into flower beds, it offers season-long color. Chamomile blooms brew a soothing tea. Toss fresh blossoms over salad, or use fresh or dried leaves to season butter, cream sauce, or sour cream.

Light:

Sun,Part Sun

Zones:

4-9

Plant Type:

Annual,Perennial,Herb

Plant Height:

6-24 inches tall

Plant Width:

3-18 inches wide

Flower Color:

White, daisy-like blooms

Bloom Time:

Blooms from late spring through summer

Landscape Uses:

Containers,Beds & Borders,Slopes,Groundcover

Special Features:

Flowers,Fragrant,Attracts Butterflies,Drought Tolerant,Deer Resistant,Easy to Grow

Top Varieties

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German chamomile

Matricaria recutita is an annual bearing daisy-shape white flowers all summer. It grows 2 feet tall and has a milder flavor than Roman chamomile.
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Roman chamomile

Chamaemelum nobile is an evergreen groundcover to 12 inches tall with daisy-shape flowers in summer. It has a stronger flavor than German chamomile. Zones 4-8
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Harvest Tips

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In spring and summer, gather leaves to use fresh or to dry for later use. Pick fully open, fresh blossoms early in the day, rinsing and patting dry. To dry flowers, spread blooms on a rack or screen and place in a warm spot. Store dried flowers in airtight jars in the dark. To brew a soothing tea, pour hot (not boiling) water over fresh or dried blooms, steep, strain, and add honey and lemon. Aim for a ratio of 1 cup of hot water to 2-3 teaspoons of flowers. Brew tea from leaves in similar fashion. Women who are pregnant or lactating shouldn't use chamomile.

Propagation

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Seed
Division