Anthemis (Golden Marguerite)

Claudia Parrott
November 7, 2023

Anthemis tinctoria, commonly known as Golden Marguerite, dyer’s chamomile, or yellow chamomile, is a perennial flowering plant in the Asteraceae family.

With over 180 species in the genus, we will focus on the Anthemis tinctoria ‘Golden Marguerite’. It is a specific cultivar within the species Anthemis tinctoria, noted for its bright, cheerful daisy-like flowers and its use in gardens as a source of vibrant yellow color.

Appearance and Characteristics

Appearance:

Height and Spread: Golden Marguerite typically grows to be around 1 to 3 feet tall and can spread as wide, forming a mounded shape.
Foliage: The leaves are finely dissected, resembling the foliage of ferns or yarrow, and are a soft green to gray-green in color.
Flowers: This cultivar is celebrated for its golden-yellow flowers, which bloom from early to mid-summer. The blooms consist of numerous yellow ray florets surrounding a central disk. These flowers can be about 1 to 2 inches in diameter.

Characteristics:

Growing Conditions: It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is a robust plant that can tolerate some periods of drought once established and is generally low-maintenance.
Self-Seeding: This cultivar can self-seed, leading to naturalization in the garden if spent flowers are not deadheaded. While this can be desirable for a wildflower meadow effect, it can also mean that the plant spreads beyond its intended area.
Garden Use: Due to its size and colorful blooms, it is often used in borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator-friendly gardens. It’s also suitable for cut flower arrangements.
Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it an excellent plant for biodiversity.

General Requirements
Botanical Name	Anthemis
Family	Asteraceae
Hardiness Zones	3 (USDA)
Plant Type	Perennial
Mature Size	H: 1 - 3' S: 1 - 3'
Light Requirements	Full Sun
Season of Interest	Summer (Early, Mid)

Planting and Care

Anthemis tinctoria (Golden Marguerite) is a delightful perennial known for its hardiness and ease of care. If you’re planning to grow this cheerful plant in your garden, here are some tips on planting and taking care of it:

When to Plant: The best time to plant is in the spring after the last frost or in early autumn.
Sunlight: Full sun is crucial for robust growth and abundant blooms; aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil: Well-drained soil is essential; Golden Marguerite tolerates a range from poor to moderately fertile, but avoid heavy, wet soils.
Spacing: Space plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow for mature growth and air circulation.
Watering: Water thoroughly upon planting and regularly until established. Once mature, the plant is drought-tolerant and needs only occasional watering.
Feeding: Fertilization is rarely necessary; if needed, a light application of a balanced fertilizer in spring can support growth.
Pruning: Deadheading promotes continued blooming; cut plants back after the first flowering to encourage a second bloom period.
Division: Divide every few years in spring or autumn to maintain plant health and vigor.

Perfect Settings for Growth

Anthemis tinctoria (Golden Marguerite) thrives in conditions that are reminiscent of its native habitats, which include meadows and fields in Europe and Western Asia. To cultivate this plant successfully in a garden setting, you should aim to replicate these conditions as closely as possible.

Location: A sunny border, herb garden, or a wildflower meadow where the plant can bask in full sun.
Climate: It excels in a temperate climate and is suitable for areas classified in USDA zones 3-7.
Companion Plants: Combine with other drought-resistant plants such as lavender, sedum, or ornamental grasses for a varied display.
Maintenance: This is a low-maintenance plant, ideal for gardeners who wish to enjoy a colorful garden without too much fuss.

Potential Challenges

Anthemis tinctoria (Golden Marguerite), while easy to grow and generally low maintenance, can face a few potential challenges:

Overcrowding and Poor Air Circulation: If planted too closely or in a spot without adequate air movement, ‘Golden Marguerite’ can become susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Proper spacing and situating in a breezy location can mitigate this risk.
Wet Soil Conditions: This plant prefers well-drained soil and can suffer from root rot if the soil remains too wet for too long. Ensuring good drainage is critical, especially in winter when soil tends to hold more moisture.
Pest Infestations: Aphids and other sap-sucking insects can sometimes be attracted to Golden Marguerite. Regular inspections and prompt treatment with water sprays or insecticidal soap can keep these pests at bay.
Self-Seeding: Golden Marguerite can self-seed prolifically, which is beneficial for naturalizing an area but can also lead to it spreading beyond its intended bounds. Deadheading spent flowers can control unwanted self-seeding.
Short Lifespan: As a perennial, it’s relatively short-lived, which means it might need to be replaced every few years. However, division or allowing the plant to self-seed can maintain its presence in the garden.
Legginess: Without enough sunlight, the plants can become leggy as they stretch towards the light. This can be prevented by planting in full sun and by cutting the plant back mid-season to encourage bushier growth.
Tolerance Limits: While it can withstand a variety of conditions, extreme weather such as prolonged wet seasons or severe drought can stress the plant. Mulching and timely watering during dry spells can help the plant cope with these extremes.

Noteworthy Species and Cultivars

There are ~120 species of Anthemis.

A. tinctoira (Golden Marguerite)

A. tinctoira ‘kelwayi’
A. tinctoira ‘E.C. Buxton’
A. tinctoira ‘Sauce Hollandaise’

Conclusion

Natural Dye: The species name ‘tinctoria’ is derived from the Latin word for dyeing. Historically, the flowers of ‘Golden Marguerite’ were used to produce a yellow dye for fabrics.

Renaissance Art: The flowers of the Anthemis genus are sometimes depicted in Renaissance paintings, not just for their beauty but also as symbols of simplicity and virtue.

Rapid Growth: This plant can grow quite quickly, which is a delight for gardeners who want to see their garden fill out swiftly.