Description

Anthemis

There are about 100 species of mat or clump forming perennials and annuals, in this genus.   They derive from a wide range of well-drained sunny habitats from Europe to Northern Africa, Turkey, the Caucasus and Iran.  They produce aromatic finely dissected pinnatisect to 3 pinnatisect hairy green or silver gray leaves.  They bear daisy like white or cream, yellow flower heads blooming from late spring to late summer with yellow centers.  Some species are good for cutting or as a border or rock garden plant Plant in moderately fertile, well-drained sandy or gravelly soil in full sun.  Taller ones need stalking or grow in self-supporting masses.  Divide in spring and/or autumn.  Cut back after flowering to keep shape. Prone to few fungal disease, mildew, slugs, and aphids. Anthemis tinctoria – Golden Marguerite – Oxeye Chamomile – Dyer’s Chamomile – This European and Western Asian species forms a clump 36” tall and in breadth.  This free flowering perennial is very hardy, and is easily grown.  It produces ½-2” fern like crinkled mid green basal leaves with gray-downy undersides.  In late spring and summer its covered in daisy like solitary golden yellow to cream flower heads 1 ¼” wide. Yellow dye was once execrated from the flowers. Many cultivars exist which flower for many weeks and great in borders.  Most grown 24-36” tall and in breadth. Zones 3-8