Chamomile - German Matricaria recutita

Common name:
German Chamomile

Description:
German Chamomile is a delicate, fast-growing annual herb renowned for its daisy-like flowers and soothing herbal properties. Featuring soft, feathery green foliage and masses of small white blooms with bright yellow centres, it creates a light, airy display from spring through summer. Highly valued for its calming qualities, the flowers are traditionally harvested and dried for herbal teas. Well-suited to Melbourne’s climate, German Chamomile thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, preferring moderate watering and open positions with good airflow. It grows quickly and freely self-seeds, ensuring a continuous presence in the garden if allowed to naturalise. Regular harvesting of flowers encourages further blooming, making it both an ornamental and highly practical addition to herb gardens and cottage-style plantings.

Form:
Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature size:
Height: 0.4–0.7m
Width: 0.3–0.5m

Aspect:
Full Sun

Flowering:
Flowers in Spring
Flowers in Summer

Flower colour:
White
Yellow centre

Key attributes:
Bee Attracting
Edible Flowers
Fast Growing
Herbaceous
Self-seeding
Suitable for Pots
Annual

Toxicity:
Generally considered safe for human consumption; may cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to plants in the daisy family. Use caution with pets if consumed in large quantities.

Companion plants:
Lavender
Rosemary
Cabbage
Onion
Mint