About

Cota tinctoria is a perennial that forms clumps, featuring delicate, finely divided foliage that appears mid-green on the upper side and has a soft, greyish texture underneath. During the summer months, numerous vibrant golden-yellow blooms are produced on upright stems.

About the genus

This genus comprises herbaceous chamomiles found in Europe, North Africa, and Southwestern Asia. The plants feature flower heads resembling sunflowers, characterized by white or yellow petals surrounding a central yellow disc.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
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
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Native to
Europe, Caucasus, Iran
Fragrance
Foliage

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in full sun in well-drained soil; it is drought-resistant and tolerant of poor soils
Pruning
Cut back hard after flowering to encourage basal growth that will overwinter
Propagation
Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in spring, by division in spring or root basal cuttings in late spring to early summer
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails.
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to Powdery mildews