How to Grow Dyer's Chamomile
Cota tinctoria
Dyer's Chamomile (Cota tinctoria, syn. Anthemis tinctoria) is a tough, drought-tolerant hardy perennial that produces masses of bright yellow daisy flowers from June to September. Plant in full sun in any well-drained soil — it thrives in poor, gritty conditions and dislikes rich, wet ground. Space 45 cm apart and cut back hard after the first flush of flowers to encourage a repeat bloom. Divide every two to three years in spring to keep plants vigorous, as they can become short-lived on heavy soils.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Apply a light balanced feed in early spring as growth resumes. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which produce lush leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Companions
Salvia, Achillea, Echinacea, Grasses
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun
Needs at least six hours of direct sun daily. In shade plants become leggy, produce fewer flowers, and are more susceptible to powdery mildew.
Watering
Low — drought-tolerant once established
Water young plants until established, then rely on rainfall. Excellent drought tolerance. Avoid wet, waterlogged soil which quickly rots the roots and shortens plant life.
Fertilizing
Little or none — thrives in poor soil
Rich feeding produces lush foliage at the expense of flowers. A light dressing of balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient, or simply top-dress with grit to improve drainage.
Pruning
Cut back after first flush; tidy in spring
Cut stems back by half after the main June-July flush to encourage a second wave of flowers into September. Remove dead stems to ground level in early spring before new growth emerges.
Spacing
45 cm apart
Space 45 cm apart for good air circulation, which reduces powdery mildew. Allow 60 cm for established clumps.
Support
Not usually needed
Plants are naturally bushy and self-supporting. On very rich soils stems can become floppy — cutting back after the first flush usually resolves this.
Growing Tips
Cut back for repeat bloom
After the main flush of flowers in June-July, cut stems back by half. New growth appears within weeks and a second flush of blooms follows into September.
Poor soil is best
Avoid rich compost or heavy feeding. Cota tinctoria evolved on dry, chalky, well-drained ground — fertile soil produces floppy stems and fewer flowers.
Divide every 2-3 years
Lift and divide clumps in spring when the centre becomes woody or bare. Replant the vigorous outer portions. This also extends the plant's life on heavier soils.
