Anthemis tinctoria (Golden Marguerite) is definitely a perennial, albeit relatively short-lived, hence the need to divide every 2-3 years.

I've grown several of the cultivars (they may be hybrids with A. sancti-johannis) for years, e.g. 'E.C. Buxton', 'Kelwayi', 'Sauce Hollandaise', etc. They are good garden plants.

As long as you can give them a well-drained soil, you should be OK.

I really appreciate the answers coolplantsguy.

I was wondering if you could tell me what happens (when you divide a plant such as this) that revives it? Does the clump get too large, depriving the whole plant of nutrients? Is this what causes it to become short lived?

I also wonder if this (dividing) applies to most plants that are listed as "short lived perennials" I don't have much experience with short lived perennials because I've avoided them for that very reason. I have no problem with dividing....I usually do it with most of my hardy perennials about every three years anyway. At least the ones that have roots that can be tampered with.

I guess that an undivided clump of Chamomile would last at least three years without any assistance? This is good news.

Thanks again!

The dividing of perennials typically rejuvinates the plant somehow, possibly by providing "more room" for the younger parts of the root system that would otherwise be crowded out. And yes, periodic division is a typical way of maintaining short-lived perennials in a garden.

Some perennials are simply "short-lived", i.e. their life-span is shorter than other, longer-lived perennials. This is just a fact of plant life. The same can be said for various types of tree and shrubs.