Chrysanthemum 'Clara Curtis'

'Clara Curtis' is a free-flowering border Chrysanthemum with swarms of 2" rose-pink, single and semi-double flowers above toothed green foliage. A perfect color to set off the emerging yellows, golds, and russets of early autumn.

The genus Chrysanthemum is part of the Asteraceae family and encompasses numerous species native to Asia and northeastern Europe. Less-hardy species grown as annuals are known as Pot or Florist’s Mums while perennial species are known as Hardy Mums. Extend the season of color in your autumn garden with these hardy, low-maintenance Mums. These fuss-free perennials produce tidy, dense mounds of spectacular color and begin flowering in late summer and, given adequate hydration, will carry on until a hard frost. Plants are available in a wide range of rich colors from golden yellow and dusky pink to sienna orange and deep purple. Sizes vary, too, with smaller varieties topping out around 12" and larger specimens reaching roughly 3'. The range of colors and sizes invites gardeners to create layered displays in the fall garden where Mums show beautifully alone, in groups, or amid other late-season favorites including Ornamental Grasses, Sedums, and Asters.

At one point in time, Hardy Mums were reclassified as Dendranthema to distinguish them from less-hardy Florist’s Mums, but this change was not well-received in the botanical world. The decision ultimately was reversed and the genus Chrysanthemum once again encompasses all Mums. Some cultivars may still be sold in the trade as the genus Dendranthema.

For more information on the growing and care of Chrysanthemum, click Growing Guide.