Roman Chamomile Chamaemelum nobile 'Flore Pleno' (d)
ABOUT
The plant in question, commonly known as double-flowered Roman chamomile, is a perennial herb highly appreciated for its decorative and aromatic qualities. Unlike its more common cousin with daisy-like flowers, this variety boasts numerous white petals, densely layered and resembling small pompoms. Each flower head is composed of these luscious double petals, creating a fuller appearance, and is often highlighted by a subtle, apple-like fragrance. The foliage of the double-flowered Roman chamomile is fine and feathery, with leaves that are delicately dissected and emit a pleasant aroma when bruised or crushed. These green leaves form a low-growing mat, serving as a lush backdrop for the charming, button-like flowers perched atop. The overall impression of the plant is one of a quaint and tidy floral display, with the blooming season adding a frothy layer of pure white to the landscape. This plant has a creeping habit and often forms a dense ground cover, which is soft to the touch, thanks to the finely textured leaves. The double-flowered Roman chamomile is often used in ornamental gardens for its aesthetic appeal and is a favorite among gardeners for creating a tranquil and sensory-rich garden space. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils, making it both beautiful and versatile in garden design.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Roman Chamomile, Double-flowered Chamomile, English Chamomile, Garden Chamomile, Noble Chamomile, True Chamomile
Common names
Anthemis nobilis 'Plena', Anthemis nobilis 'Flore Pleno', Chamaemelum nobile 'Plenum'.
ToxicityTo humans
Roman chamomile is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting Roman chamomile, and it is commonly used in teas and for culinary purposes. However, individuals may vary in their sensitivity, and allergic reactions can occur from handling or ingesting the plant, especially in those who are allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family.
To pets
Roman chamomile is not known to be toxic to pets. It is considered to be of low toxicity and is sometimes used in mild sedatives for animals due to its calming properties. Nonetheless, as with humans, individual pets may have allergies or adverse reactions to the plant, which could provoke symptoms such as dermatitis, or gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal – Chamaemelum nobile 'Flore Pleno', commonly known as Roman chamomile, has double flowers that add a delicate beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Groundcover – It can serve as an effective groundcover, filling in spaces and suppressing weeds due to its mat-forming habit.
- Pollinator Friendly – The flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance – Roman chamomile is known for being easy to grow and requires minimal care once established.
- Drought Tolerance – Once established, it has good tolerance to drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Edible – The flowers can be used to make chamomile tea, though it's not its primary use and should be done understanding the distinction between Roman chamomile and German chamomile.
- Aromatherapy – The plant gives off a pleasant, apple-like fragrance, which can be soothing and is often used in aromatherapy practices.
- Lawn Alternative – Roman chamomile can be used to create a low-maintenance, fragrant lawn that can tolerate light foot traffic.
- Erosion Control – It can help prevent soil erosion due to its dense growth habit and root structure.
- Culinary Use – While mainly ornamental, it has limited use in the kitchen as a herb when used correctly.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: May reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort in conditions like arthritis.
- Antispasmodic: Helps to relieve muscle spasms and gastrointestinal issues.
- Sedative: May have calming effects that help with anxiety and insomnia.
- Carminative: Helps in relieving gas and bloating in the digestive system.
- Antimicrobial: Has been used for its potential to fight certain bacteria and viruses.
- Analgesic: May provide pain relief for conditions such as headaches and menstrual cramps.
- Anxiolytic: May help to reduce symptoms of anxiety without the use of pharmaceutical anxiolytics.
- Wound healing: Can be applied topically in certain preparations to help with skin healing and irritation.
- Anti-emetic: May help in reducing nausea and the occurrence of vomiting.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural fabric dye: Chamaemelum nobile 'Flore Pleno', also known as Roman chamomile, can be used to dye fabrics a soft yellow to greenish-yellow hue when used in conjunction with a mordant.
- In insectary gardens: Roman chamomile can attract beneficial insects like honeybees and hoverflies to the garden that are pivotal for pollination and natural pest control.
- As a lawn alternative: Due to its low-growing, mat-forming nature, Roman chamomile is used as a fragrant, flowering alternative to traditional grass lawns, especially in low-traffic areas.
- For culinary decoration: The double flowers of Roman chamomile can be used as edible decorations for salads, desserts, and other dishes, adding a unique visual appeal.
- In companion planting: Roman chamomile can benefit nearby plants by attracting beneficial insects and potentially enhancing the growth and flavor of certain vegetables and herbs through companion planting.
- For potpourri and sachets: Dried Roman chamomile flowers are often included in potpourri mixes or fabric sachets to impart a pleasant aroma to linens and closets.
- In natural skin cleansers: The gentle properties of Roman chamomile are utilized in homemade natural cleansers for sensitive skin.
- As a hair rinse: An infusion of Roman chamomile flowers can be used as a final rinse after shampooing to add shine to the hair, especially for blonde hair.
- In aromatherapy: Roman chamomile, despite being primarily known for its calming effects, can also be used in aromatherapy for scenting spaces with its sweet, apple-like fragrance.
- In crafts and decorations: The flowers can be used in crafting, such as in making floral crowns or to decorate eco-friendly confetti.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Roman chamomile is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Roman chamomile is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Peace - Roman Chamomile is often associated with calm and serenity, symbolizing a peaceful state of mind.
- Healing - Due to its medicinal properties, it represents healing and is thought to bring about physical and emotional wellness.
- Purity - The delicate white flowers with their light fragrance convey a sense of purity and innocence.
- Simplicity - Roman Chamomile's simple yet beautiful blossoms represent a love for the simple things in life and humility.
- Patience - The plant has a slow growing nature which symbolizes patience and the understanding that some things take time to develop.
WaterRoman Chamomile should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. This typically means providing the plant with about 1 inch of water per week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. During the growing season, increase watering to ensure consistent moisture, but reduce the amount during the winter when the plant goes dormant. Make sure to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Implement a watering schedule of roughly every 5 to 7 days during active growth periods, adjusting as needed for temperature and rainfall.
LightRoman Chamomile thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. Ideally, the plant should get at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Planting it in a spot that receives morning sunlight and partial afternoon shade is optimal, especially in areas with hot summers, as this can protect it from the intense heat.
TemperatureRoman Chamomile prefers cooler conditions and can generally tolerate temperatures down to about -10 degrees Fahrenheit, but not for prolonged periods. The plant performs well in temperatures ranging from 38 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, when temperatures start to rise above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, Roman Chamomile may need additional care to thrive.
PruningPrune Roman Chamomile to encourage bushier growth and to prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Deadheading spent flowers promotes further blooming. Pruning is best done in the spring or early summer, and light trimming can be done throughout the growing season to maintain the plant's shape. Remove dead or diseased foliage as necessary.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRoman Chamomile thrives in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.6 to 7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and sharp sand or perlite will provide proper drainage and nutrients.
RepottingRoman Chamomile rarely needs repotting as it is often treated as an annual, but if grown as a perennial, repotting every 2 to 3 years is sufficient.
Humidity & MistingRoman Chamomile prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can thrive in the varying humidity levels typically found outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and moderate watering for indoor Roman Chamomile.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, and well-drained soil for outdoor Roman Chamomile.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleChamaemelum nobile 'Flore Pleno', also known as Roman chamomile, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in well-draining soil and exposed to light for germination, which typically occurs during the spring. After sprouting, the seedlings grow into a low-growing, perennial herb with feathery foliage. During the late spring to early summer, the plant enters its flowering stage, producing numerous daisy-like, double flowers with white petals and yellow centers. Roman chamomile can be propagated either by division in autumn or spring or by taking cuttings in late summer. Once mature, it will spread to form a dense mat that can be used as a fragrant ground cover or lawn substitute. The plant will enter dormancy in the winter, especially in colder climates, and then resume growth and prepare for another flowering cycle in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Roman chamomile 'Flore Pleno' is by division, which is ideally done in the spring. Early in the growing season, you should carefully lift the plants from the ground, using a garden fork to minimize root damage. You'll typically find that Roman chamomile has formed dense clumps; gently separate these clumps into smaller sections with your hands or a sharp knife, making sure each new section has a piece of the root system attached. These sections can then be replanted in well-draining soil, spaced about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to give them room to grow. Water these new divisions well after planting to help establish them. Through division, the plants will quickly take root and grow, providing a supply of Roman chamomile for tea or as a fragrant ground cover in the garden.
