Anthemis tinctoria Kelwayi

Anthemis tinctoria, also known as False Chamomile or Dyer's Chamomile, belongs to the asteraceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia Minor. 'Kelwayi' Anthemis forms a medium-sized plant, reaching 50 to 70 cm high and 50 cm wide at maturity. It has a bushy habit and forms a mound of very light foliage from spring onwards. Its growth is rapid. The abundant flowering takes place from May-June to September-October, if faded flowers are regularly removed. The flowers resemble small semi-double, 2 cm wide daisies with a dark yellow centre. Surrounding it are peripheral, ligulate, female, bright yellow ray florets. The stems are well-branched, with green leaves and a greyish and hairy underside. The abundant foliage is dark green, deciduous, and aromatic when crushed. This variety readily self-seeds in the garden.

Anthemis plants thrive in sunny and well-drained soil, and they dislike excessive moisture in winter. The soil should therefore be well-drained, which is their only requirement. Plant them in ordinary, limestone, neutral, or slightly acidic soil. They form rounded and flowering clumps, which can be combined with blue-flowered plants such as asters, lavender, borage, and perennial flax. In countryside flower beds, alongside simple flowers like snapdragons, wallflowers, baptisias, or common sage, they quickly form rounded and flowering clumps. They can also be planted in rock gardens and borders. Their foliage pairs well with grey-leaved plants like wormwoods. They also thrive in pots.