Golden chamomile (Anthemis tinctoria 'Charme')
Anthemis tinctoria 'Charme' offers dwarf, fragrant, yellow daisy blooms from June to September in full sun.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Anthemis tinctoria ‘Charme’, commonly known as Golden chamomile, is a highly valued herbaceous perennial for its extended season of bright, cheerful color. This dwarf selection offers compact mounds covered in 1-inch wide, fragrant, yellow, daisy-like flowers consistently from early summer until September. Gardeners appreciate this cultivar, Anthemis tinctoria ‘Charme’, because it forms dense, rounded clumps with finely divided, aromatic foliage, providing excellent texture in perennial borders. As a tough, drought-tolerant plant, Golden chamomile thrives in conditions where other border plants might struggle, making it an excellent low-maintenance choice for sunny, dry spots.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.25 ft
- Spread: 1.75-2 ft
- Bloom Time: June to September
- Bloom Description: Yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Plant Anthemis tinctoria ‘Charme’ in spring or fall after the danger of hard frost has passed. The location must receive full sun for optimal flowering and vigor. Good drainage is absolutely essential; this plant performs poorly and has a reduced lifespan when grown in dense, heavy clay soils that retain too much moisture. For established plants, watering should be infrequent, allowing the soil to dry between waterings, as the plant is notably drought tolerant once established.
Maintenance for Golden chamomile is generally straightforward. To encourage continuous blooming throughout the summer, deadhead spent flowers promptly. After the main flush of bloom, cutting back the foliage promotes fresh basal branching, which keeps the plant tidy. Gardeners should plan to divide clumps of Anthemis tinctoria ‘Charme’ every two years to maintain strong production and prevent overcrowding.
Avoid overly rich or heavily fertilized soil environments, as high fertility can cause the stems to become leggy, potentially necessitating staking for support later in the season. This plant absolutely abhors hot and humid conditions typical of the deep South, so site selection is critical for long-term success.
Landscape Uses
Golden chamomile is a versatile, low-maintenance choice that delivers long-lasting, reliable color contrast across the summer garden. Its compact habit makes Anthemis tinctoria ‘Charme’ perfect for the front or middle layer of a perennial border where its vibrant yellow discs catch the eye. It excels in rock gardens or xeriscaped areas where dry soil and full sun are the ruling conditions.
Due to its tolerance for dryness and poor soil, this perennial serves as an excellent filler plant among hardier shrubs or as an edging plant along pathways. Consider pairing Anthemis tinctoria ‘Charme’ with plants that appreciate similar lean conditions, such as Sedum, Russian Sage (Perovskia), or ornamental grasses, to create a tapestry of texture and contrasting flower colors.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Fragrant
- Good Cut
Noteworthy Characteristics
Anthemis tinctoria, commonly known as golden chamomile or golden marguerite, is an upright perennial featuring profuse 1.5-inch yellow, daisy-like flowers and finely divided, aromatic foliage. Specifically, the cultivar ‘Charme’ is a dwarf selection of golden chamomile that uniquely produces non-viable seeds, reducing unwanted self-seeding. A carpet of fragrant, yellow blooms covers the finely toothed foliage in early summer, and deadheading can effectively extend this beautiful display through the season.
Tolerances
- Drought
- Dry Soil
Potential Problems
Gardeners should scout for common pests such as aphids, slugs, and snails, which can occasionally affect the foliage of Golden chamomile. Powdery mildew can sometimes develop, especially if air circulation is poor or humidity is high, though drought tolerance suggests better performance in open, sunny spots. The main management issue arises if the plant is grown in soil that is too fertile or heavily fertilized; this rich environment encourages weak, excessive growth, which results in legginess requiring physical support like staking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Golden chamomile suitable for?
Anthemis tinctoria ‘Charme’ is hardy and reliable across a broad range of climates, succeeding well in USDA Zones 3 through 9.
How large does Anthemis tinctoria ‘Charme’ grow?
This dwarf selection matures to a compact size, typically reaching heights between 1 and 1.25 feet tall, spreading outward to occupy an area approximately 1.75 to 2 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Golden chamomile need?
For the best performance, vibrant blooming, and to minimize legginess, full sun exposure is required for Anthemis tinctoria ‘Charme’.
When does Golden chamomile bloom?
This cheerful perennial provides lasting color, with its yellow daisy flowers appearing continuously from June through September, provided spent blooms are removed.
Conclusion
Anthemis tinctoria ‘Charme’ stands out as a dependable, long-blooming perennial that brings reliable yellow contrast to sunny, dry locations in the garden. Its dwarf stature and drought tolerance make Golden chamomile an especially practical choice for low-water landscapes. Before planting, verify that your site offers full sun and excellent drainage to ensure this wonderful Anthemis tinctoria ‘Charme’ thrives for many seasons.
Companion Planting
Selecting companions for Anthemis tinctoria ‘Charme’ is simplified by prioritizing drought tolerance and sun needs. Group it with other Mediterranean or prairie-style plants that resent wet “feet.” Consider pairing the bright yellow flowers of Golden chamomile with the silvery foliage of Artemisia or the cool blues and purples of Salvia nemorosa cultivars. These combinations create attractive textural and color contrasts while sharing identical cultural requirements for sun and dry soil.
Propagation Tips
Propagation of Anthemis tinctoria ‘Charme’ is primarily achieved through division, which is scheduled every two years to maintain plant health and vigor. Aim to divide the established clumps in the early spring just as new growth begins to emerge. Carefully dig up the clump and separate it into smaller sections, ensuring each division has a healthy cluster of roots and shoots. Replant these divisions immediately into prepared, well-draining soil to allow them time to establish before the heat of summer arrives.
