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Annual Biennial

Matricaria recutita
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

scented mayweed

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

Other common names
sweet false chamomile
German chamomile
see morehorse gowan
wild chamomile
Synonyms
Matricaria chamomilla
Chamomilla recutita
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Yellow Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
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

Get involved

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