Photo: SikanoCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Sicilian Chamomile Plant Care
Anthemis cupaniana Tod.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Anthemis cupaniana is a striking plant known for its delicate, fern-like foliage that forms a dense mound of silver-gray leaves. Originating from the rocky slopes of Sicily, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soil.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to light shade
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Sicilian Chamomile?
Water Sicilian Chamomile every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to light shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Sicilian Chamomile Native To?
What Is the Sicilian Chamomile?
Sicilian Chamomile (Anthemis cupaniana) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Anthemis genus. Sicilian Chamomile is native to Sicily, and introduced to France, Great Britain, Ireland, and the Chatham Islands. Sicilian Chamomile is also known as Cupani's Chamomile, Anthemis punctata, Anthemis montana.
Sicilian Chamomile displays a low mounding perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Sicilian Chamomile produces daisy-like flowers in shades of white, yellow, or pink.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Sicilian Chamomile?
Anthemis cupaniana requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Sicilian Chamomile Need?
Sicilian Chamomile thrives in full sun to light shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to light shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sicilian Chamomile Prefer?
Anthemis cupaniana grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Sicilian Chamomile prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Sicilian Chamomile?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Sicilian Chamomile to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Sicilian Chamomile?
Feed Sicilian Chamomile every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Sicilian Chamomile?
Divide clumps every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Sicilian Chamomile?
Sicilian Chamomile can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mayweed plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Sicilian Chamomile Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Sicilian Chamomile, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Sicilian Chamomile?
Sicilian Chamomile is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Sicilian Chamomile Need?
Sicilian Chamomile grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Sicilian Chamomile is native to Sicily, and introduced to France, Great Britain, Ireland, and the Chatham Islands.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Sicilian Chamomile is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Anthemis genus — compare its care with other Anthemis species on PlantoScan.
Anthemis is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Sicilian Chamomile thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Anthemis Species
Other Anthemis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Anthemis cupaniana Tod., family Asteraceae (first published in 1903) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Sicilian Chamomile, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Sikano, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 6a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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