Chamomile nobile

£6.00

Chamomile nobile, more commonly known as Roman chamomile or English chamomile, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to Western Europe and North Africa but is now grown in gardens worldwide due to its ornamental and medicinal values. Delivery Notes and charges

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Description

GardenAdvice Notes

Chamomile nobile, more commonly known as Roman chamomile or English chamomile, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to Western Europe and North Africa but is now grown in gardens worldwide due to its ornamental and medicinal values.

Here’s a description of the plant:

Appearance: Roman chamomile grows close to the ground, reaching only up to a foot (30 cm) in height. Its stems are creeping and hairy, helping the plant to form a dense mat over the ground.

Leaves: Its leaves are finely divided and feather-like, greenish-grey in colour, giving them a fern-like appearance. They’re slightly hairy and aromatic.

Soil type-Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is quite adaptable and can grow in a range of soil conditions. However, it does prefer well-drained soil to prevent root rot and other water-logged conditions.

The soil pH can vary from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, though it tends to thrive best in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions (pH 6.0 to 7.5). It’s not a heavy feeder, which means it doesn’t require particularly nutrient-rich soil, but like most plants, it would benefit from organic matter and regular feeding.

Pest and disease problems-While Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is generally a hardy plant, it’s not entirely immune to pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common issues it might face:

  1. Aphids: These tiny, sap-sucking insects can be a problem for many plants, including Roman chamomile. They can cause discoloration and curled leaves, as well as stunt growth. They also excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew which can encourage the growth of sooty mould fungus.
  2. Mealybugs: These pests are another type of sap-sucking insect that can infest Roman chamomile. They’re typically white and have a fuzzy appearance. Like aphids, they can lead to yellowing or curling of leaves and the secretion of honeydew.
  3. Powdery Mildew: This is a common fungal disease that affects many types of plants. It appears as a white to greyish powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. While it typically doesn’t kill the plant, it can weaken it and reduce its growth and flowering.
  4. Root Rot: This is typically a problem in soils that are poorly drained or waterlogged. The roots become waterlogged and oxygen-starved, leading to decay. Signs of root rot can include wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth.

To prevent and manage these problems, ensure the plant has good air circulation, avoid overwatering, and regularly monitor for signs of pests or disease. In the event of a serious infestation or infection, it may be necessary to use an appropriate insecticide or fungicide, or in extreme cases, remove and dispose of the affected plant to prevent the problem from spreading to other plants.

Propagation-Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) can be propagated through several methods, including seed sowing, division, and stem cuttings. Here’s a brief guide on how to propagate this plant:

  1. Seeds: Roman chamomile seeds can be directly sown into the garden in the spring when the risk of frost has passed. The seeds need light to germinate, so they should only be lightly covered or pressed into the soil without covering. They typically germinate in one to two weeks in temperatures around 70°F (21°C).
  2. Division: The plant can be divided in the spring or early fall. To do this, carefully dig up the entire plant and gently separate it into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has plenty of roots. Replant each section where you want them to grow.
  3. Stem Cuttings: Take a 2-3 inch long cutting from the stem of the plant, ideally in the spring or early summer. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, then dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a mix of sand and peat or a special rooting compost, keeping the soil lightly moist until the cutting has rooted. You can usually tell that the cutting has rooted by new leaf growth.

Regardless of the propagation method used, it’s important to keep the newly planted chamomile in a sheltered area until it’s well established. Regular watering is important, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Once the plants are established, they can be transplanted to their final location if necessary.

Pruning, cutting back and dividing-Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) requires minimal pruning, but some care can help the plant to grow more vigorously and produce more flowers. Here are some tips:

Pruning and Cutting Back: Roman chamomile benefits from a light trimming after the blooming period, usually in late summer or early fall. This helps to maintain the plant’s shape and encourages bushier growth. If the plant becomes too woody or leggy, you can cut it back more severely, but make sure not to remove more than one-third of the plant at a time.

If you’re growing Roman chamomile as a lawn alternative, it can withstand light foot traffic and mowing. To maintain it, mow the plants to a height of about 2 inches (5 cm) throughout the growing season. This also helps to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.

Dividing: Roman chamomile can be divided to propagate the plant or control its growth. It’s best to divide the plant in early spring or early fall when the plant is not in its flowering period. To divide the plant, dig it up and gently separate the roots into smaller sections. Each section should have several healthy roots and shoots. After dividing, replant the sections where you want them to grow. Make sure to water the new plants well.

After pruning, cutting back, or dividing, be sure to water the chamomile regularly until it has fully recovered and is growing vigorously. This plant is generally quite resilient and can bounce back well from pruning or division with proper care.

Please note our plants in most instances are delivered by our own GardenAdvice expert gardeners. Our standard UK delivery charge is £25 or if you are a MyGardenTeam member delivery is free

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