Plant Profile: Sicilian Camomile (Anthemis punctata subsp. cupaniana)
Also called dog fennel, this mat forming, evergreen perennial is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae. The brown woody stems carry finely divided, soft textured foliage that is silver most of the growing season but turns gray-green in winter. Two inch white daisy-like flowers with yellow centers are produced in early summer on slender stems above the foliage. The bloom time can be extended by deadheading. The plants are very vigorous and spread quickly making it a good choice for a ground cover and are also a good pick for rock gardens, alpine gardens and spilling over walls. In addition Sicilian camomile is excellent cut flower. Unfortunately, it is short-lived but can be easily propagated by taking cuttings in spring where the stems form roots into the soil.
Type: Evergreen perennial
Bloom: White daisy-like flowers with yellow centers in early spring
Size: 12” H x 36” W
Light: Full sun
Soil: Lean to moderately fertile, average moisture, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 6-9
Care: Deadhead to prolong bloom; cut back straggly foliage as needed to keep neat.
Pests and Diseases: Aphids, slugs, snails, powdery mildew
Propagation: Basal cuttings in spring; division
Companion Plants: Basket of gold (Aurinia saxatili), Caroathian harebell (Campanula carpatica), creeping speedwell (Veronica prostrata), dwarf baby’s breath (Gypsophila muralis), dwarf yarrow (Achillea kellereri)