Chamaemelum nobile Compositae

CULTIVATION Chamomile is a hardy evergreen perennial with aromatic, feathery, light-green leaves and white, daisy-like flowers from midsummer. Reaching a height of 20-30cm (8-12in), it prefers light, well-drained soil. Propagate it by sowing seeds in spring, taking cuttings during summer or dividing the plant in autumn, planting them 15-30cm (6-12in) apart. Harvest the leaves at any time and the flowers from midsummer. Grow it as a garden, edging and carpeting herb. The non-flowering variety makes a fine chamomile lawn. Recommended varieties Apple-scented chamomile, C.n. ‘Flore Pleno’; non-flowering chamomile, C.n. ‘Treneague’.