Chamomile is a wonderful herb that many gardeners enjoy growing for its beauty and medicinal properties. When it comes to the question of whether chamomile comes back year after year, the answer depends on the specific type of chamomile you are referring to.
There are two main types of chamomile that are commonly grown: Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and German chamomile (Matricaria recutita). These two varieties have some similarities, but also some important differences when it comes to their growth habits.
Let’s start with Roman chamomile. This variety is a perennial herb, which means that it has the ability to grow back year after year. Once established, Roman chamomile will continue to grow and spread in your garden, providing you with its delightful fragrance and lovely white flowers for many years to come. It is a low-growing plant, with delicate, fern-like foliage that forms a dense ground cover. Roman chamomile is often used as a natural edging plant or to fill in gaps between stepping stones or pavers in a garden pathway.
On the other hand, German chamomile is an annual herb. This means that it completes its life cycle within a single growing season. German chamomile will grow from seed, produce flowers, set seed, and then naturally die back. However, the seeds that are produced can often self-sow and germinate the following year, leading to new plants in your garden. This self-seeding habit allows German chamomile to come back year after year, even though the individual plants themselves do not survive. It’s a bit like having a natural reseeding system built into your garden.
In my own experience, I have grown both Roman chamomile and German chamomile in my garden. The Roman chamomile has formed a lovely, evergreen ground cover that I can rely on year after year. It has spread nicely and fills in the spaces between my stepping stones, creating a charming and functional pathway. On the other hand, the German chamomile has provided me with a burst of beautiful flowers each summer, and I enjoy watching the new seedlings emerge the following year.
To summarize, Roman chamomile is a perennial herb that will come back year after year, while German chamomile is an annual herb that can self-seed and come back on its own. Both types of chamomile have their own unique qualities and can be a delightful addition to any garden. Whether you choose to grow Roman chamomile for its evergreen foliage or German chamomile for its self-seeding ability, you are sure to enjoy the beauty and benefits that chamomile brings to your garden.
