Chrysanthemum 'Clara Curtis'

Chrysanthemum 'Clara Curtis': Autumn’s Soft-Pink Revival

Delicately fringed yet full of resilience, Chrysanthemum 'Clara Curtis' is a classic, long-lived garden mum known for its pastel pink, daisy-like flowers that appear in generous profusion from late summer into fall. Its soft-coloured blooms and tidy mounding habit make it an ideal transitional plant between summer abundance and fall hues. With aromatic foliage and excellent cold hardiness, this heirloom-style perennial lights up borders just when many others begin to fade—offering lasting colour and strong pollinator appeal well into October.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 45–60 cm
• Spread: 60–75 cm, forming a broad, rounded clump
• Flower Colour: Soft pink with yellow centres
• Flowering Period: Late summer to fall
• Foliage: Deep green, lobed, and lightly aromatic when brushed
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; tolerant of dry conditions once established

Uses and Benefits: 'Clara Curtis' is a reliable, long-blooming perennial for sunny borders, fall pollinator gardens, and cottage-style plantings. Its pastel tones soften late-season colour schemes, while its easy-going nature makes it a favourite for naturalistic or low-maintenance landscapes. It pairs well with ornamental grasses and other fall bloomers, and its cut flowers are equally charming in arrangements.

Companion Plants: Combine with the dusky rose plumes of Sedum 'Autumn Fire', the powder-blue blooms of Aster oblongifolius 'October Skies', and the burgundy-tinged blades of Panicum 'Shenandoah' for a fall-forward planting that balances softness, structure, and pollinator value.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Pinch back in early summer to encourage bushier growth and delay flowering for best fall performance. Water regularly during establishment; once established, it is drought-tolerant. Cut back to the ground in late fall after flowering or leave seedheads for wildlife interest.

History: 'Clara Curtis' is an old garden variety of hardy chrysanthemum, believed to originate from the Korean species Dendranthema zawadskii. Valued for its cold tolerance, soft colour, and informal charm, it has remained a favourite in Canadian gardens for generations.

Final Thoughts: Gentle in colour but bold in spirit, Chrysanthemum 'Clara Curtis' extends the garden’s beauty into fall—celebrating the season with a cheerful wave of pink and unwavering poise.