Calm-o-mile™ Chamomile

Calm-o-mile Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is a lawn alternative that hugs the ground, forming a dense, very flat mat under 10cm high with only the white daisy flowers sitting above the foliage. Bred by Ozbreed for Australian heat, it spreads by rhizomes, repairs itself after wear and gives off a relaxing fragrance. It suits shaded courtyards and paved areas where you want green without regular mowing.

Why you'll love it

• Truly flat. Many chamomiles grow too tall to pass as a lawn. This one stays tight to the ground, so it reads as a lawn rather than a garden bed.
• Repairs itself. Rhizomes spread sideways and fill in wear damage, so a worn patch under light foot traffic recovers.
• Crowds out weeds. The dense mat outcompetes weeds and helps hold soil against erosion.
• Tougher than common chamomile. Ozbreed says it copes with frost, heat, humidity and flood water far better than the usual form, and it thrives in semi shade too.
• A calming scent. The foliage gives off a relaxing fragrance, and the flowers have white petals around yellow centres, much like small daisies.

Where it works best

Between pavers and stepping stones. Let the stones take the heavy wear. Plant 60cm apart, which is two to three plants per square metre, and let the rhizomes close the gaps.

Shaded courtyards and small lawns. It is a low mow substitute for turf where grass struggles. Level the ground first, because it grows best on flat ground.

Light traffic only. It handles the odd walk across it but it is not a football lawn. Keep the main path on stone.

Growing Calm-o-mile Chamomile in Australia

Position and climate. Best in the heat, but it also thrives in semi shade and in the cold. Ozbreed lists it for New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia, the ACT and Tasmania. If you garden elsewhere, trial a few plants before committing a whole area.

Soil. Most soil types suit it. Flat, level ground gives the best result, so rake the area smooth before planting.

Water and feed. Water as required for the first 8 to 13 weeks until established, then back off. Feeding is optional.

Pruning. Cut it back after flowering to keep the mat dense and tidy.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Calm-o-mile Chamomile as tube stock. Tube stock comes from our grower and shows as sold out until the grower lists it again. It is also listed in 140mm pots in packs of 10 on backorder: order that size and we confirm timing with you before anything ships. Plant tubes into level, prepared ground, keep them moist and give the rhizomes time to knit together.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse more groundcover plants
• Fragrant plants for paths and courtyards
• See the full Ozbreed range
• Plants for small gardens

Common questions

Can I walk on it?

Light foot traffic is fine, and it repairs minor wear. For a regular path, set stepping stones and plant the chamomile around them.

Does it flower?

Yes. White petals with yellow centres appear above the mat, much like daisies. Cut it back after flowering to keep it dense.

How is it different from ordinary chamomile?

Ozbreed bred it to sit lower and spread by rhizomes, and it copes with Australian heat and humidity far better than the common form.