Ornamental Herb
Dyer's Chamomile (Anthemis tinctoria 'Kelwayi') is a shrubby perennial that brings cheerful, bright yellow daisy-like flowers to the garden from July through September. Growing 24 to 36 inches tall and spreading 12 to 18 inches wide, this hardy cultivar thrives in zones 3 through 7 and tolerates drought and poor soils with remarkable ease. The finely divided, fern-like foliage is aromatic and attractive even when the plant isn't in bloom, and the flowers themselves are excellent for cutting, staying fresh in the vase while you enjoy their sun-bright color.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-7
36in H x 18in W
Perennial
High
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Bright yellow, two-inch daisy-like flowers bloom prolifically throughout summer and into fall on an erect, clump-forming plant with feathery aromatic foliage. 'Kelwayi' handles drought and lean soils that would defeat many perennials, making it dependable in difficult garden spots where heavy clay or poor drainage would otherwise limit your choices. Deadheading extends the bloom season significantly, and the flowers are reliably good for cutting, so you can enjoy them indoors while encouraging more blooms on the plant.
Dyer's Chamomile is grown primarily for its ornamental flowers and as a fresh cut flower for arrangements, where its bright yellow blooms add warmth and cheerfulness. Historically, it served as a source of golden and yellow dyes in textile production, a use reflected in its common name and botanical epithet. The aromatic foliage can also be dried for potpourri or enjoyed fresh for its subtle fragrance in the garden.
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost at a germination temperature of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Use well-draining seed-starting mix and keep soil lightly moist but not waterlogged. Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they develop true leaves.
Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Transplant outdoors after the last frost date when soil temperatures have warmed to 50 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart in full sun with well-drained soil.
Cut flowers for fresh arrangements when they are fully open and bright yellow, typically during mid-morning after dew has dried. For drying flowers or foliage, harvest when the plant is dry and flowers are at peak color. Cut stems at the base of the plant to encourage more blooms and maintain plant shape.
Deadhead faded flowers throughout the summer and fall bloom season to promote continuous flowering and prevent self-seeding. After blooms cease, cut back the entire plant's foliage to encourage basal branching and a more compact, bushy shape for the following season. Divide established clumps every two years in spring or fall to rejuvenate plants and maintain their vigor.
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“The scientific name Anthemis tinctoria carries within it the plant's ancient purpose: 'tinctoria' refers to its historic use in textile dyeing. This particular cultivar, 'Kelwayi', represents a refinement of the species, selected for its finely divided foliage and larger, more uniform flowers compared to the wild type. The plant itself has roots in European horticulture, where both the species and this improved selection became valued for ornamental gardens and traditional dye work.”