Chamaemelum nobile
Herb, Perennial

Light: full sun - partial shade

With blossoms like daisies and a fresh apple scent, chamomile is perhaps one of the most popular medicinal plants of all time. It is recommended by herbalists all over the world, including the legendary Mrs. Rabbit, who gave a dose of it to her naughty son, Peter, after his run-in with Mr. McGregor. Actually, there are two types of chamomile plants. German chamomile (Motricaria recuitita), also known as wild chamomile or sweet false chamomile, is an annual that will grow 2 to 3 feet tall. Roman chamomile (C. nobile), a perennial that seldom tops 9 inches in height, is stronger in fragrance than the German variety. Medicinal uses: Mrs. Rabbit's famous tea, brewed from dried flowers, is used to quiet nerves and remedy a number of ailments, including indigestion, infections, and nightmares. Other uses: Boil chamomile flowers for 20 minutes and pour over your hair to bring out natural blond highlights. In a potpourri, chamomile's applelike scent adds a sweet aroma.

Planting
Cultivation: German chamomile, the annual variety, can be seeded in fall or spring. The plant will reseed itself if some flower heads are left in the garden. Spring sowing is recommended for the Roman variety, which is best grown from offshoots of the mother plant. Divide plants in early spring and set in well-drained soil, 18 inches apart. Mulch heavily in climates that have harsh winters.