False chamomile is a rhizomatous perennial that transforms late summer gardens into clouds of delicate, daisy-like flowers from August through September. This variety, scientifically known as Boltonia asteroides var. latisquama, grows 48 to 60 inches tall with a spread of 24 to 36 inches, thriving in full sun across hardiness zones 4 through 9. The tiny blooms, typically white with yellow centers, emerge in loose panicles atop gray-green, linear leaves, attracting butterflies and other pollinators while tolerating both clay and wet soils that challenge many perennials.
24
Full Sun
Moderate
4-9
60in H x 36in W
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Moderate
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Late-summer bloomers like false chamomile carry special weight in the garden calendar, arriving when many perennials have faded. The flowers appear in such profusion that they can blanket the entire plant, creating a luminous effect from late August into September. This variety handles wet soil and clay with ease, a trait that opens doors for gardeners working with challenging conditions. The blooms attract butterflies generously, rewarding you with movement and color when you most need it.
False chamomile serves primarily as a naturalized element in gardens, where its profuse late-season blooms support pollinator populations. The plant's tolerance for wet and clay soils makes it particularly valuable for rain gardens, low-lying areas, and difficult sites where many ornamentals struggle.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors at soil temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, timing your start to transplant outdoors after the last frost date.
Transplant hardened-off seedlings outdoors after the last spring frost. Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart to accommodate their mature width.
Pinch or cut back plant stems by approximately one-third in late spring to early summer if support becomes an issue or if you wish to reduce plant height and encourage a bushier, more compact form.
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“The genus name honors James Bolton, an English botanist who lived from 1735 to 1799. The specific epithet, asteroides, speaks to the flower's obvious resemblance to asters. This particular variety gained recognition through a controlled breeding program at the University of Massachusetts that ran from 1997 to 2000, during which researchers were working with open-pollinated species plants. The newly discovered plant was given the trade name Jim Crockett, honoring the well-known host of the Victory Garden television program, ensuring that this discovery would carry forward a connection to public gardening education.”