Roman Chamomile

Growing

This low-growing perennial makes a fragrant "chamomile lawn" in areas of your garden that receive only light foot traffic. Because it forms a dense, mat-like carpet, you can set stepping stones into it to create a path, provided you leave enough space between the stones for the plant to spread. To keep the carpet thick, trim the foliage occasionally, which encourages denser growth.

Prepare light, well-draining soil in a spot with plenty of sun and regular moisture. Flowering varieties need deadheading to prevent seeding, though non-flowering varieties reduce maintenance. This hardy herb can survive a hard freeze, making it a reliable permanent fixture in your landscape.

Once the flowers are ready, harvest them for teas or fragrances. After picking, wash the flowers before storing them. For long-term use, dry the blossoms to preserve their aroma.