Matricaria recutita

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scented mayweed

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scented mayweed RHS

Other common names

sweet false chamomile, German chamomile, horse gowan, wild chamomile, amranwen

Synonyms

Matricaria chamomilla
Chamomilla recutita

Plants for pollinators
Annual Biennial
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An annual with much divided, aromatic foliage, and scented daisy-like flowers, composed of white rays with yellow disc florets which are borne singly on stems from June to August

Position

Full shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H7

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Matricaria are a genus of hardy annuals with a pleasant aroma, often found in rock and herb gardens. They have erect stems with many branches and plentiful bipinnate leaves. Flowers are daisy-like and symmetrical and mainly white with yellow capitula.
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Prefers light soil and as a cornfield weed, disturbed ground to germinate

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free