Anthemis tinctoria Kelwayi - Marguerite

Anthemis tinctoria 'Kelwayi' is a variety also known as False Chamomile or Dyer's Chamomile. This hardy and perennial undershrub displays grey-green fennel-like foliage, from which a multitude of small, bright yellow daisies with dark yellow centres emerges from spring to autumn. Very hardy, easy to grow in well-drained soil, and neat in appearance, this perennial is ideal for rock gardens or sunny slopes.

Anthemis tinctoria belongs to the Asteraceae family and is native to Europe and Asia Minor.

'Kelwayi' is a recent cultivar, forming a medium-sized plant that can reach 50 to 70cm (20 to 28in) in height and 50cm (20in) in width. It has a bushy habit and forms a mound of light foliage in spring. Its growth rate is fast. The abundant flowering takes place from May-June to September-October, if care is taken to regularly remove faded flowers. The flowers resemble small, semi-double daisies, 2cm (1in) wide, with a dark yellow centre. Surrounding them are peripheral, ligulate, female, bright yellow ray florets. The stems are well-branched, with green leaves, and greyish and villous undersides. The dark green foliage is abundant. It is deciduous and aromatic when crushed. This variety easily self-seeds in the garden.

Anthemis plants are sun lovers par excellence, but they fear excessive moisture in winter. Plant them in well-drained, ordinary, slightly acidic, neutral, or strongly calcareous soil. 'Kelwayi' quickly forms beautifully rounded and fully bloomed clumps. It is superb when planted alongside roses or blue-flowering plants such as perennial flax, chicory, bugloss, common borage, and blue or lavender summer asters. It is ideal for starting a new garden after construction work. It can be planted in wildflower meadows alongside simple flowers like snapdragons, wallflowers, baptisias, or common sage. It also works well in well-maintained flower beds, rock gardens, borders, and even in a cutting garden. Its foliage pairs well with grey-foliaged plants like wormwood. It grows very well in pots.

Anthemis tinctoria is a dye plant, from which a yellow dye was once extracted.