Chamomile is an increasingly popular ground cover that is joining clover as a sustainable grass alternative. Homeowners are abandoning grass for various reasons, ranging from environmental concerns around water usage and fertilizers, to wanting to create a more inviting habitat for pollinator—or even just spending less time tending to the perfect lawn.

Here’s what you need to know about the benefits of a chamomile lawn, the drawbacks, and everything you should know before planting this cheerful flowers in your own yard.

What Is a Chamomile Lawn?

A chamomile lawn uses chamomile as a ground cover rather than grass or clover. While some varieties of chamomile are known for reaching up to two feet into the air, others grow closer to the ground, making them an ideal ground cover in sunny areas that don’t see heavy foot traffic.

“Chamomile forms a dense, carpet of flowers that releases a pleasant scent, making it a popular choice for eco-friendly and sensory gardens,” says Rebecca Sears, garden expert at Ferry-Morse.

Benefits of a Chamomile Lawn

Homeowners are moving towards grass alternatives for a myriad of reasons, including supporting native species, spending less time tending to the yard, and reducing water consumption.

“Chamomile lawns can support biodiversity and provide a habitat for beneficial insects as well,” Sears says.

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Pollinator-Friendly

Take one look at a chamomile lawn, and it’s no surprise that these joyful white flowers are a favorite of pollinators. These small blooms pop up in early summer, and you’ll become a welcoming feeding ground for bees and butterflies through the first autumn frost.

Low Maintenance

If you love spending time in your yard but not on your yard, a chamomile lawn could be the answer.

“Chamomile lawns and other lawn alternatives are relatively low maintenance, requiring little to no mowing compared to grass,” Sears says.

Drought Tolerant

If you give it well-draining soil, chamomile will thrive, even during periods without rain.

“Chamomile is a drought-tolerant plant, so frequent watering isn’t as necessary as it is with a traditional lawn,” says Sears.

How to Plant a Chamomile Lawn

When choosing a spot to plant a chamomile lawn, look for an area that gets full sun. Chamomile will tolerate dappled sun, but it could impact its growth and flowering. Well-draining, rich soil is ideal.

Chamomile lawns are typically started inside in early spring, just as you would do with chamomile you are growing for your herb garden.

However, if you wait until the threat of frost is over, you can plant the seeds directly in the area of your lawn where you want the chamomile to spread. And, while chamomile is drought tolerant, make sure the soil stays moist as the seeds germinate and sprout.

Once chamomile is established, it will spread on its own, and you can forgo watering except under the most severe drought circumstances.

Taking Care of a Chamomile Lawn

The beauty of a chamomile lawn is in its low maintenance nature. You won’t have to mow it, prune it, water it, or fertilize it. Chamomile should thrive on its own.

Roman chamomile, which is the best variety of chamomile for a lawn, will come back year-after-year in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9.

Problems With Chamomile Lawns

While chamomile lawns are as pretty as they are beneficial for pollinators, there are a few drawbacks to consider. They aren’t for every yard or every homeowner.

Easily Compacted

Chamomile’s sunny flowers aren’t necessarily resilient, particularly if people are walking on top of them.

“If you’re growing a chamomile lawn, keep in mind that they have limited durability, aren’t ideal for foot traffic, and may get patchy if overused,” Sears says.

Attractive to Pests

Chamomile is a favorite of helpful pollinators, but it’s also beloved by other insects and pests. You may find that aphids or mealybugs end up just as attracted to your yard full of blooms.