Flower Library
Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla · Korbblütler (Asteraceae)
Chamomile is summer's most cheerful filler: delicate white-and-yellow flower heads on finely branched stems that lend any bouquet a light, natural air. Because we buy directly at the Veiling Rhein-Maas, it arrives dew-fresh and lasts visibly longer than the usual week. Its soft, herbaceous-aromatic scent makes it a favourite for loose meadow bouquets and romantic wedding work.
- Season
- May – June – July – August – September
- Vase life
- 7–12 days
- Latin name
- Matricaria chamomilla
- Colors
- White with yellow centre, Cream white, Sunny yellow (with reflexed petals)
In floristry, chamomile usually refers to wild chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and its sturdier relatives. The classic form bears white ray florets around a domed yellow centre; alongside it there are fully double, ball-shaped varieties as well as pure yellow types whose petals curve elegantly backwards. For a natural meadow look choose the single form, for more volume the double one.
As a cut flower chamomile is a genuine all-rounder. Thanks to its simple, daisy-like bloom it sits comfortably beside almost any focal flower and brings air and movement into an arrangement. We love using it as a loosening filler among roses, peonies and asters, yet a single bunch of chamomile in a plain glass vase is charming all on its own.
Quality shows in firm, not overripe heads and strong, deep-green foliage with no wilted tips. It matters that the yellow centres are still closed and domed rather than brown. That is exactly what we watch for when buying at the auction: short routes, no middleman, and therefore a freshness you can see in the flower right to the last day.
Stylistically chamomile belongs to natural, relaxed floristry. It pairs beautifully with grasses, eucalyptus, gypsophila and meadow flowers and is hard to imagine modern boho and vintage wedding work without. In Düsseldorf it is often ordered for summery table settings, cafés and shop windows, because it feels effortless yet always tells a small story.
Care
- 01Before arranging, cut the stems at an angle by one to two centimetres with a sharp knife so they take up water well.
- 02A low water level is enough: chamomile dislikes standing too deep, as the soft stem can otherwise rot quickly.
- 03Change the water every two to three days and keep the vase clean; fresh water noticeably extends the vase life.
- 04Remove the lower foliage so that no leaves sit in the water and the water stays clear.
- 05Place it cool, out of direct sun, away from heating and ripe fruit; the ethylene from fruit ages the blooms faster.
- 06Pinch out faded, browning heads to keep the bunch fresh and tidy for longer.
Frequently asked
- How long does chamomile last in a vase?
- With a fresh cut, regular water changes and a cool spot, chamomile lasts a good seven to twelve days. Because we buy our flowers directly at the Veiling Rhein-Maas, our bunches usually reach the upper end of that range.
- Is chamomile toxic to cats or dogs?
- Yes, garden chamomile is considered mildly toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Compounds such as bisabolol and chamazulene can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite or skin irritation if eaten, and cats are especially sensitive. Keep the bouquet out of reach of pets.
- When is chamomile in season as a cut flower?
- Chamomile is a classic summer flower and is available in good quality through the auction mainly from May to September. Its peak falls in high summer when the fields are in bloom, which makes it ideal for summery, rustic arrangements.
- What does chamomile combine well with?
- Chamomile is wonderfully easy to combine. It looks particularly lovely with roses, peonies, asters, grasses, eucalyptus and gypsophila. As an airy filler it loosens dense bouquets and gives modern boho and meadow arrangements their natural lightness.