Overview
Chamaemelum nobile is a matforming herbs - culinary in the genus Chamaemelum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Chamaemelum nobile grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens. It is native to W Europe and NW Africa.
About
Chamaemelum nobile is a perennial ground cover that reaches a height of up to 25 cm. It features finely dissected, fragrant leaves and produces white flowers with yellow centers, each measuring approximately 1.5 cm in diameter.
About the genus
Chamaemelum includes both annual and perennial species that are highly aromatic. The plants feature delicately divided leaves and produce flower heads resembling daisies, characterized by white ray florets surrounding a central cluster of yellow disk florets.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Chamaemelum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Chamaemelum nobile size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbs - Culinary, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- W Europe, NW Africa
- Fragrance
- Foliage
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Chamaemelum nobile
- Cultivation
- Grow on any light well-drained soil in full sun. For more advice, see chamomile cultivation
- Pruning
- Trim regularly to keep compact, bushy growth
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by division for non-flowering cultivars
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Chamaemelum nobile?
Grow on any light well-drained soil in full sun. For more advice, see chamomile cultivation.
Where is the best place to plant Chamaemelum nobile?
Chamaemelum nobile prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Chamaemelum nobile need?
Chamaemelum nobile is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Chamaemelum nobile?
Trim regularly to keep compact, bushy growth.
How big does Chamaemelum nobile grow?
Chamaemelum nobile reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Chamaemelum nobile hardy in the UK?
Chamaemelum nobile has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Chamaemelum nobile?
Propagate by seed or by division for non-flowering cultivars.