Anacyclus pyrethrum var. depressus

Anacyclus pyrethrum var. depressus is a perennial ground cover ideal for rock gardens. Between May and September, its white flowers are grouped into heads like those of daisies. The strap-shaped florets are wine-red on the reverse side. In the evening or during rainy weather, the heads close, revealing only this reddish reverse. The feathery, highly-divided foliage rosettes form a regular greyish carpet.

Native to the Mediterranean coast, Anacyclus pyrethrum is closely related to chamomile, from which it occasionally borrows its common name. However, it is the root that is used for this species.

Anacyclus pyrethrum var. depressus will thrive in well-drained, poor, gravelly or stony soil in full sun. It is sensitive to winter moisture. In rock gardens, troughs, paving or rocky scree, its ideal companions will be Armeria (Sea Thrift), Campanula portenschlagiana, Dianthus arenarius (Sand Pink) or Phlox subulata (Moss Phlox).