Anthemis

( ANTH - em - iss )

At-A-Glance Information

The plants in this genus are collectively referred to as Chamomiles, Dog Fennels, and May Weeds. These joyful flowering perennials grow best in full sun with moderate to regular water. Species in this genus can be weedy, but those listed below are generally great for gardens and have more attractive habits. Finely cut leaves are aromatic, especially when bruised. These plants are native to the Mediterranean, southwest Asia and Iran.

Anthemis Species and Varietals

The genus Anthemis is a member of the plant family Asteraceae, and includes about 100 species. The best growing zones for Anthemis vary by species; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Anthemis arvensis (Corn Chamomile, Mayweed, Scentless Chamomile, Field Chamomile)
This species grows in many areas of the globe, and is a popular garden choice. 

Anthemis carpatica
This species grows best in zones 3b-10 and 14-24. Grows to form a low, 2 foot wide mound of greyish green foliage, from which stems about 6 inches tall sprout. White flowers with yellow centers appear in spring and summer.

Anthemis chrysantha (Manzanilla de Escombreras, Escombreras Chamomile)
Native to coastal regions in North Africa and the surrounding areas, this species was first described by Swiss botanist and taxonomist Jaques Etienne Gay.

Anthemis cotula (Stinking Chamomile, Mayweed)
This annual flowering plant has a distinctive scent to it that is considered to many to be unpleasant, hence the common name 'Stinking Chamomile'. It is native to meadows, roadsides, and open fields in Europe and Asia. The specific epithet 'cotula' (small cup in Latin) refers to the fact that the flowers are shaped somewhat like small cups.

Anthemis cretica (Cretian Mat Daisy, White Mat Chamomile)
This species is native to Mediterranean and Middle East, and is morphologically variable, having many subspecies. 

Anthemis cupaniana (Sicilian Chamomile)
This species is native to Sicily, and has naturalized elsewhere. Flowers are white with yellow centers, and foliage is green to grey-green.

Anthemis glaberrima
This plant is found only in Greece, where it is very rarely seen. It is considered to be a critically endangered species of the genus, and lives on rocky shorelines and within Mediterrnanean-type shrubby vegetation.

​Anthemis marschalliana (Anthemis biebersteiniana)
This species grows best in zones 1-9 and 14-24. This has a rounded habit, and forms a 1-foot tall and wide mound. Leaves are silvery green and fernlike and flowers are brilliant yellow.

Anthemis plutonia (Troodos Chamomile)
This plant is commonly found in Cyprus, and forms a mat of foliage and prostrate stems. Flowers are white or creamy pink with pink or yellow centers.

​Anthemis punctata cupaniana (Sicilian Chamomile)
This species forms a mound of silver foliage 1 foot tall and at least 2 feet wide. Long-lasting white daisies appear in summertime. Grows best in zones 4-9 and 14-24.
Anthemis tinctoria (Golden Marguerite)
These flowers grow best in zones 1-11 and 14-24. Has an erect, shrubby habit that gets to 2-3 feet tall and wide. Leaves are light green and golden yellow flowers bloom in summer and early fall. This is an excellent variety as cut flowers, and the plant should be cut back after the first bloom to encourage repeat flowering. Plants are short lived, but new ones root from stem cuttings in spring. Plants can also be divided in spring or fall. Varieties are outlined below.
​'Beauty of Grallagh'
Golden-orange flowers.
​'E. C. Buxton'
White flowers with yellow centers.
'Kelwayi'
Yellow blooms.
'Moonlight'
With pale yellow blooms.

Caring for Anthemis

Plant your Anthemis in a location that receives full sun exposure. They do best when they get between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day. Ensure that soil is well-draining before planting; this is a must for these plants, as they will not perform well if their roots are waterlogged. The required pH of soil varies a bit, depending on the species grown, but for the most part they do well when soil pH is within the range of 5.0 to 8.5. Anthemis can tolerate a wide range of soil types, as well, including loamy, rocky, and sandy. These small shrubs are tolerant of drought, and soil should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings. Avoid overwatering these plants, as it can lead to issues with root rot.

Feeding Anthemis is not necessary; however if your soil is particularly poor, you may consider amending it with compost, organic material, or adding a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the springtime to support the season's growth and flowering. Deadhead these plants regularly to neaten their appearance and to encourage rebloom. Leggy growth should be trimmed back, as well. If the entire plant is getting a bit leggy, it may indicate that it needs more sun. Apply a thin layer of organic mulch after planting to suppress weed growth and provide protection for roots in cold weather. Avoid placing mulch directly against plant stems, as this can lead to root rot issues. In cooler climates, these plants may die back in wintertime, but they will rebound the following spring if their roots are protected adequately.

Propagation

Anthemis can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your flowers, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Anthemis by Cutting
  1. Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
  2. In spring or late summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 3-4 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming basal branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Ensure that your cutting has a bit of the woody basal tissue included. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
  3. Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots. 
  4. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Propagating Anthemis by Seed
  1. Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows. 
  2. Harvest your seeds. Cut off dried up flower heads from the plant that still have seeds and place them in a paper bag. Allow the seeds to release, and then remove them from the bag so you can work with them. If you will not be using your seeds immediately, store them in a cool, dry, dark place. They will remain viable for between 2 and 3 years if stored properly.
  3. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
  4. Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Anthemis by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil (any kind will do, though it does need to be well-draining), compost, and pots (12 inch pots will do, and these are only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in spring or fall (after the plant has entered dormancy and been cut to the ground, but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
  1. Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the roots. Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
  2. Start to tease apart the roots with your gloved fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments.
  3. Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divided plants and water thoroughly.
  4. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the newly divided planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout.
An Anthemis dried flower head ready to be harvested for its seeds.
Anthemis seeds are light brown to gold in color and are very tiny.​

Problems and Pests

Although Anthemis plants are generally pest and disease-free, they can suffer from the following common garden ailments:
  • Aphids
  • Slugs and Snails
  • Root Rot
  • Powdery Mildew
Monitor your plant regularly for any damage, and to learn more about these garden pests, consult the following pages:
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Gallery

These plants produce shows of blooms through the spring and summer months.
Plant orange-flowered Anthemis with purple flowers for a bold look.
Allow these plants to grow over the tops of walls for a sofened look.
Pair Anthemis with other cottage garden favorites, like Primula (Primrose).
Plant Chamomile near seating areas, where its fragrance can be admired close-up.
Here Anthemis is grouped with Sedum, Rosemary, Hydrangea, Tanacetum, and Buxus for a multi-textured look.

Videos

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Resources

Anthemis Plant Growing and Care Guide for Gardeners
Anthemis tinctora - Golden Marguerite
Anthemis - Growing, Pruning, and Care
Wikipedia: Anthemis
How to Grow Anthemis
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 154 - 155, Anthemis
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