Beginner gardeners frequently misidentify flowers resembling chamomile. However, there are various other plants available that can add charm to your garden. One such flower is Anacyclus.
Anacyclus is often mistaken for chamomile, but it’s actually a distinct plant species. Anacyclus includes both perennial and annual varieties and is low-maintenance, thriving in dry, sunny environments. However, it struggles to grow in humid conditions due to root decay. The plant blooms from June to September and has a stem height of around 10 cm, spreading along the ground and emitting rays across the surface. This makes it a popular ground cover choice for alpine slides. The flowers are less than 5 cm wide and have an interesting characteristic – they close up if there isn’t enough light. At night or during cloudy weather, the buds will close. To differentiate Anacyclus from chamomile, check the back of the petals – they’re red in color.
The meadow chamomile, also known as the second name, is an uncomplicated perennial plant that belongs to the Aster family. It adds a charming touch to group plantings and is often used for creating beautiful bouquets. While there are around 70 types of daisies, only three are commonly utilized in gardening – namely, ordinary, largest, and magnificent.
The inflorescences of the nivyanik plant come in three types: simple, double, and semi-double, with a flower diameter ranging between 6 and 12 cm and a stem height of 20 to 100 cm. The flowering season varies across different species, with some blooming in early summer, others in late June, and some even flowering twice during the season.
Nivyanik thrives best in light, fertile soil and sunny spots, but it can also tolerate partial shade. Adequate watering is essential for its growth, but it’s important to avoid stagnant water, as it can be detrimental to the plant’s health.
The Aster family is home to the daisy, which comes in two types: annual and perennial. Annual daisies are often used to add charm to balconies while perennials can be found growing in gardens. These gorgeous flowers boast a height of 10 to 30 cm and can grow up to 8 cm in diameter. They come in various inflorescences such as simple, double, and semi-double, and have tubular and petal structures. Daisy plants prefer sunny locations, are not picky about soil composition, require regular watering without being overwatered, and should be fed twice a season. After being planted, they will bloom in their second year and can bring joy from April to May. Another name for the daisy plant is Pyrethrum.
Pyrethrum, a simple and unassuming perennial plant that belongs to the Aster family, is also known as “Caucasian chamomile”. Its shoots can reach a height of 50-70 cm, and its “basket” inflorescence has a diameter of 3-6 cm. While there are approximately 50 types of pyrethrum, maiden, pink, and large-leaved species are the most popular among gardeners.
Feverfew maiden resembles small chrysanthemums and grows compactly between 20 to 50 cm tall. Its flowers can be white or yellow. Pyrethrum pink stands at a height of 60 to 70 cm and features bright pink, scarlet, and dark red “basket” flowers with a yellow center. Large-leaved pyrethrum is a bush that can grow up to 1.5 m tall and has white inflorescences.
Pyrethrum plants thrive in sunny locations but can still grow in partial shade. While they are not fussy about soil composition, they do not prefer heavy or swampy soils. These plants bloom from June to July.
Another plant worth mentioning is Brachycoma.
Iberisole brachycoma is a beautiful annual plant that belongs to the Aster family. With just one shoot, a bush up to 30 cm in height can grow, adorned with around 100 fragrant inflorescences. Although there are 50 different species of this plant, Iberisole brachycoma is the most popular one, and it has been used to create many varieties with stunning colors such as blue, white, purple, pink and lilac.
This type of plant is thermophilic, so it cannot withstand frost and typically lives for only one year. To grow Brachikoma, you need to sow seedlings in late February or early March and then plant them in open ground at the end of May when the seedlings have emerged.
Brachikoma requires a lot of light and loose, dry soil. It also needs to be fed three times per season. However, this plant is often targeted by snails and whiteflies, so you must take measures to protect it.
The bush blooms from July to September, giving off a lovely fragrance that adds to its beauty. Overall, Iberisole brachycoma is an excellent choice for those who want to add some color and fragrance to their garden.
