Chrysanthemum ‘Clara Curtis’

Chrysanthemum rubellum ‘Clara Curtis’

Characteristics

Culture

A truly hardy, perennial mum, ‘Clara Curtis’ Chrysanthemum will return year after year to bloom with soft pink daisy flowers in the fall. Often called a come-again mum. This mum’s flowers are daisy-like, with light pink petals surrounding a yellow eye. ‘Clara Curtis’ mum begins blooming in mid- or late summer and continues through the fall.  Grow ‘Clara Curtis’ mum in full sun to part shade, in rich, moist but well-drained soil. Pinch back the stems every two weeks from spring to midsummer to make the plant bushier. Deadhead the summer flowers to promote fresh bloom for fall. Full sun makes this mum more compact and floriferous. May slowly spread by underground stems, but not aggressively.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Chrysanthemum is a genus of about 20 species grown mostly for their showy flowers. Many hybrids have been developed which are a mainstay of the fall garden. “Clara Curtis’ is a clump-forming, fall-blooming garden mum that typically grows 18-2” tall and 24-48” wide. Single and semi-double daisy-like pink flowers with golden yellow centers cover this plant. Toothed medium-green foliage. Blooms profusely from late summer to frost.  Plants are more likely to survive in cold climates if stems are left standing over winter. Mulch for winter protection only in very cold areas and be sure to remove it before the spring thaw. Clean up old foliage in spring and prune hard. Divide every 1–2 years in spring to keep plants vigorous.

Chrysanthemum rubellum ‘Clara Curtis’ is synonymous with dendranthema ‘Clara Curtis’ or ‘Country Girl’.

Genus name comes from the Greek words chrysos meaning gold and anthemon meaning flower.

Problems

In general, chrysanthemums are not unduly prone to diseases and insects, but you should avoid moistening the foliage when you water to prevent foliar diseases.

Garden Uses

Cut flower. Border. Containers. Massed plantings.