False Camomile Plant Care

False Camomile (Ethulia bicostata) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Ethulia genus.

False Camomile displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. False Camomile produces small daisy-like flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted False Camomile every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

False Camomile thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing False Camomile in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Ethulia bicostata tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. False Camomile prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for False Camomile to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed False Camomile every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

False Camomile is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

False Camomile can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune False Camomile while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

False Camomile is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

False Camomile can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.

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False Camomile 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.

False Camomile grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow False Camomile as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.