Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Chamaemelum nobile or Chamomile

The genus Chamaemelum, family Asteraceae, includes 3 species of flowering plants native to Europe. The species are: Chamaemelum nobile, Chamaemelum fuscatum, Chamaemelum mixta.

Common names: Chamomile, Roman chamomile, English chamomile, Garden chamomile, Ground apple, Low chamomile, Mother's daisy, Whig plant. This species is native to South Europe.

Chamaemelum nobile is a very branched herbaceous plant that reaches 40 cm (1.31 feet) in height and 30 cm 0.98 feet) in width. The leaves, of an intense green colour, are divided into fine segments. The showy white flowers with a yellow centre contrast with the green of the foliage. It blooms in summer and early autumn.

Roman chamomile is used in rockeries, flowerbeds and borders, in aromatic plant gardens and in pots for patios, terraces and balconies. This plant has many medicinal properties (dried flowers are used).

Chamaemelum nobile grows in full sun and semi-shade exposures. In summer it is better not to receive direct sun in the central hours of the day, especially in Mediterranean climates. It resists light and non-persistent frosts.

English chamomile grows in any type of soil but prefers a slightly sandy soil that contains a little organic matter.

Water regularly so that the substrate does not dry out completely but without flooding. It resists a few days of drought.

Fertilize with compost in autumn and with mineral fertilizer in spring at half the usual dose.

Garden chamomile does not need pruning but the flowers are usually cut in mid-summer to dry them and use them for infusions.

Chamaemelum nobile is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess moisture in the roots.

Roman chamomile is propagated from seeds sown in early spring or in autumn and by division in autumn or spring.

Images of the plant Chamaemelum nobile or Chamomile