Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

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Only 4 available

Botanical name: Chamaemelum nobile‍ ‍ • Bloom season: Summer • Bloom color: White with yellow centers • Pollinator value: Open flowers accessible to short-tongued bees and hoverflies

A low, spreading mat of finely cut foliage that smells of apple when you crush it, with small white daisies on short stems through the summer. Traditionally grown as a fragrant lawn substitute or between pavers. The open flowers are shallow enough for short-tongued bees and hoverflies, which most flowers exclude.

Photo credit: Ashley @Sage.and.Summit

Botanical name: Chamaemelum nobile‍ ‍ • Bloom season: Summer • Bloom color: White with yellow centers • Pollinator value: Open flowers accessible to short-tongued bees and hoverflies

A low, spreading mat of finely cut foliage that smells of apple when you crush it, with small white daisies on short stems through the summer. Traditionally grown as a fragrant lawn substitute or between pavers. The open flowers are shallow enough for short-tongued bees and hoverflies, which most flowers exclude.

Photo credit: Ashley @Sage.and.Summit

Size:

Plant Characteristics

Botanical Name: Chamaemelum nobile

Common Name: Roman Chamomile

Sun: Full Sun to Part Sun

Water: Moderate

Bloom Time: Summer

Bloom Color: White with yellow centers

Pollinators: Bees

Deer Resistant: Yes

Mature Size: W 12"-18" x H 4"-12"

Soil: Well-drained; light, sandy soil

Pollinator Value: Open flowers accessible to short-tongued bees and hoverflies

Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial

USDA Zones: 4 to 9

Spread Habit: Spreads by runner

Available As: Live plant

Growing Notes

Full sun to part sun in light, sandy, well-drained soil with moderate water. Space about 12 inches apart. It takes light foot traffic, which is the point of using it between stones, but it will not survive being walked on like turf. In Reno it appreciates a little afternoon shade in the hottest weeks.

  • Water: Moderate

  • Sun: Full Sun to Part Sun

  • Soil: Well-drained; light, sandy soil

  • Mature size: W 12"-18" x H 4"-12"

Maintenance

Shear it after flowering to keep the mat dense and tidy. It can get patchy in the center as it ages; divide or replant bare sections in spring. Do not fertilize, as it makes it lanky. Keep it out of standing winter wet.