golden chamomile
Anthemis tinctoria
Overview
Golden Chamomile (Anthemis tinctoria) is an amazing plant that has been used medicinally for centuries. This low-growing shrub has feathery, fern-like leaves and yellow daisy-like flowers. Its strong scent has been used in perfumes and teas for its wide-ranging natural benefits. Its oils are known to have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Golden Chamomile can be used in topical applications, such as a compress, to treat skin irritations, muscle pain and joint aches. Ingesting the tea can have a calming effect and assist in digestion. This versatile plant is a wonder of nature that every home gardener should include in their landscape.
Care Guide
Watering
Water your golden chamomile regularly, using enough water to moisten the entire soil. Water the plant in the morning, twice a week, or as it becomes dry. During the warmer months, more frequent watering may be necessary. Soil should be checked and allowed to nearly dry out between thorough watering to prevent root rot. Reduce watering in winter and generally avoid watering once temperatures drop below freezing.
Light
Golden chamomile (Anthemis tinctoria) requires direct sunlight during 6 to 8 hours of the day. During the spring and summer, the plant should be placed in full sun, while during the fall and winter, it should be placed in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight. In cooler climates, partial shade may be necessary to prevent the plant from becoming too dry and stressed. During the hottest times of the day, it is best to give the plant some shade to protect it from scorching.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 3-7.
Pruning
Golden chamomile should be pruned during the early spring, before new growth begins. This will help keep the plant bushy and promote healthy growth. The amount of pruning needed for golden chamomile depends on the desired size and shape of the plant. If the plant is only going to grow 1 to 2 feet tall, it should be lightly pruned after the first new growth has emerged in the spring, removing any old or dead stems. If the plant is going to grow taller, it should be cut back to about 1-third of the desired size at this time. In the summer months, light pruning can be done to remove any dead or diseased stems. In the fall, the plant should be pruned back to about 1-third of its original size again to encourage new growth for the spring.
Propagation
Seed Propagation, Division, Root Cutting, Layering Propagation
Related plants
Other plants you might like if you grow golden chamomile.
