Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Roman Chamomile: An Apple-Scented Mat for the Herb Garden
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Roman chamomile is a low, creeping perennial with feathery green leaves that smell sweetly of apples when you brush them. From late June into fall, small white daisies with yellow centers, about half an inch across, rise just above the mat. It is not the same plant as the annual German chamomile; this one comes back year after year.
Botanically it is Chamaemelum nobile, sometimes still listed under its older name, Anthemis nobilis.
Roman chamomile at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Chamaemelum nobile |
| Flowers | Small white daisies with yellow centers, about 1/2 inch |
| Foliage | Finely divided, feathery green, apple-scented |
| Size | Low mat, 4 to 20 inches tall and wide |
| Bloom | Starts late June, peaks mid-July, repeats into fall |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 4a to 9b |
| Water | Moderate; tolerates occasional dry soil |
| Best uses | Tea gardens, path edging, groundcover, potpourri |
A classic pairing with lavender
Lavender and chamomile are a traditional herb garden duo, and they look the part together: silver spikes of purple over a soft green carpet of white daisies. Roman chamomile works best at the front edge of a lavender bed or lining a path through an herb garden, where people can brush it and catch the apple scent.
It shares lavender's need for good drainage, but it likes a little more regular water than lavender does. Keep it along the outer edge rather than packed against lavender crowns, so you can water the chamomile without soaking the lavender. Lay out an herb or tea garden in the Companion Plant Planner.
Planting and care
- Site: sun and well-drained soil. It tolerates poor soil.
- Water: moderate. It handles occasional dry spells, but not soggy ground.
- Trimming: shear it now and then to keep the mat low and dense.
- Foot traffic: it tolerates light traffic, so it can soften the edges of stepping stones.
- Problems: generally free of pests and diseases.
- Winter: hardy in Michigan, though the foliage often browns in a cold winter. Trim away tired growth in spring.
Harvesting the flowers
The dried flowers are traditionally used for tea, and they dry well for potpourri and sachets alongside lavender buds. Pick the flowers on a dry morning when fully open, then spread them in a single layer somewhere shaded and airy until crisp. Store them in a sealed jar away from light. If you make tea, use only flowers grown without sprays and enjoy it in moderation; extension guidance suggests no more than a cup a day. It is not used as a cooking herb.
Choosing a size
Roman chamomile is offered as 3-inch plugs, 4-inch pots and 1-gallon pots. Plugs are economical for edging a long path, while gallon pots give a fuller look right away. If it is out of stock, use Notify Me on the product page or set up availability alerts.
Frequently asked questions
Is Roman chamomile the same as German chamomile?
No. German chamomile is an upright annual. Roman chamomile is a low, mat-forming perennial with apple-scented leaves.
Can I use it as a lawn?
It tolerates light foot traffic, so a small patch or path edging works, but it is not a replacement for a busy lawn.
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