Matricaria recutita – the classic chamomile for garden, tea and health

Matricaria recutita, commonly known as chamomile, is an annual plant prized worldwide for its white flowers with yellow centers and calming properties. This versatile plant is not only a beautiful addition to flower beds and herb gardens but also ideal for making teas, herbal blends, and natural home care products.

Chamomile is one of the most well-known and traditional herbs in herbal medicine. It's known for its calming effect when consumed as chamomile tea and its skin-conditioning properties in baths and lotions. Matricaria recutita also attracts bees, bumblebees, and butterflies, making it a valuable plant for a biodiversity-friendly garden.

Characteristics of Matricaria recutita

• Flower color: white petals with a yellow heart

• Height: 30–60 cm

• Flowering period: June – September

• Leaf: fine, pinnate and aromatic

• Plant type: annual

Matricaria recutita quickly forms a compact rosette of leaves and grows rapidly to a height of 30 to 60 cm. The flowers are rich in essential oils and are used both fresh and dried for teas, tinctures, and cosmetics.

Location and care

Chamomile grows best in a sunny spot in well-drained, fertile soil. The plant is low-maintenance and requires little care, making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Care tips:

• Sow directly in open ground in spring or start indoors for later planting out.

• Keep the soil slightly moist, especially during germination.

• Remove spent flowers to keep the plant tidy and prolong flowering.

• Harvest the flowers preferably in the morning, when the essential oils are most concentrated.

Chamomile combines well with other herbs such as mint, lemon balm or lavender, but also with annual flowers such as cosmea and zinnia for an attractive and fragrant border.

Application in garden and herb garden

Matricaria recutita is versatile and can be used in herb gardens, cut-flower gardens, flowerbeds, and educational gardens. Its striking white flowers with yellow centers create a bright accent in the border. The plant also attracts beneficial insects and can contribute to natural pest control.

Popular applications include:

• Chamomile tea: relaxing and beneficial for digestion

• Cosmetics: addition to baths, lotions and skin care products

• Dried flowers and decoration: for bouquets and flower arrangements

• Biodiversity: attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies

Why choose Matricaria recutita?

✔ Classic chamomile with white flowers and a yellow heart – graceful and aromatic
✔ Long flowering period from June to September
✔ Easy to grow and low-maintenance
✔ Attractive to bees, bumblebees and butterflies
✔ Ideal for herb gardens, picking gardens and borders
✔ Multifunctional: tea, herbal mixtures, cosmetics and decoration