Stinking chamomile
Anthemis cotula · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant stinking chamomile: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, very finely divided and feathery
- Flowering
- June to September, white flowers with yellow center
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm tall, spreading habit
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, tolerates temperate cold
- Origin
- Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
- Soil type
- Indifferent, tolerates poor and well-drained soils
Care
Exposure
Place the stinking chamomile in full sun for generous flowering. It also tolerates partial shade but will flower less abundantly. It adapts well to exposed and windy locations.
Watering
Water moderately, especially during active growth. This plant tolerates drought well once established. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings to avoid stagnant moisture.
Soil Preparation
This plant thrives in well-drained, lean soil. Avoid overly moist or compacted soils. Adding sand or gravel improves drainage on heavy soil.
Pruning and Maintenance
Remove faded flowers regularly to extend flowering. You can cut back the plant in late winter to encourage a compact, bushy habit in spring.
Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer application in spring is more than sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing, which promotes foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Diseases and Pests
Generally robust and little susceptible to diseases. In case of excessive moisture, fungal problems may appear: ensure good air circulation and limit overhead watering.
Did you know?
Despite its name of "stinking chamomile," this plant is not a true chamomile but rather an anthemid. Its unpleasant odor (reminiscent of chlorine or mustiness) was once exploited to repel insects and crop pests. In rural Europe, it was deliberately sown among crops as a protective companion plant.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- SneezewortAchillea ptarmica
- Canadian goldenrodSolidago canadensis
- WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.