Sea Chamomile

anthemis maritima

Also known as: ["Maritime Chamomile","Coastal Chamomile"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Anthemis Category: Flowers

Overview

A low-growing, aromatic herbaceous perennial native to coastal regions, known for its daisy-like flowers and tolerance to saline conditions.

Benefits & Perks

["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","salt tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Anthemis
Botanical Name: Anthemis maritima

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: coastal gardens or rockeries, or in pots in full sun
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters Fragrance Lovers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining; essential to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning after flowering can promote rebloom.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth for rejuvenation.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates coastal conditions with salt spray.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to full sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; suitable for coastal gardens.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or incorrect soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Full sun is essential; coastal tolerance is high; avoid deep shade.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; avoid overwatering; ensure excellent drainage.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or loamy soil

pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).

Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter if needed.

Temperature

Thrives in warm, dry conditions; ideal range 60–85°F (15–29°C); tolerates mild frosts.

Protect from hard freezes; avoid waterlogged soil in cold; provide shade in extreme heat.

Fertilizing

every 2 months during spring and summer, none in winter

Fertilize only in active growth; dilute to half strength; avoid high-nitrogen formulas.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F), high humidity, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.

Timeline

Roots in 3–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushiness; cut back stems to healthy buds; remove spent flowers.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased growth.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant for tools.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape the plant; remove spent blooms.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.

Method

Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out root ball; trim any circling roots.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; avoid wetting foliage; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a drip irrigation system or watering can with a narrow spout to target the root zone directly.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add sand or perlite to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may suffer leaf damage below 28°F (-2°C); prone to root rot in cold, wet soil.

Solution: Provide winter protection in colder zones; ensure well-drained soil; avoid overwatering in cool weather.

Hot Stress

Can wilt or drop leaves in extreme heat; may require light shade during peak summer.

Solution: Water deeply in early morning; provide temporary shade; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; dilute properly; avoid late-season feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer; apply sparingly in spring; avoid feeding in late summer or fall.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Anthemis maritima may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Anthemis maritima can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to impaired nutrient uptake and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Anthemis maritima may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation if severe.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Anthemis maritima is often caused by excessive moisture or fungal pathogens, leading to decay of plant tissues and eventual plant decline.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Anthemis maritima is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets for any unusual behavior after ingestion, though toxicity is not expected.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Anthemis maritima is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets for any unusual behavior after ingestion, though toxicity is not expected.
Humans
Non-toxic

Anthemis maritima is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in moderate quantities.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, excessive consumption of any plant material should be avoided without proper botanical or medical consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Anthemis maritima suitable for coastal gardens?

A: Yes, it is highly salt-tolerant and thrives in coastal environments.

Q: Does Sea Chamomile attract pollinators?

A: Yes, its fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Q: How often should I water Anthemis maritima?

A: It is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering once established.

Quick Reference
Family: Asteraceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)","fragrance lovers"]
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