Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Clara Curtis' — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Clara Curtis' is a bushy, upright perennial in the genus Chrysanthemum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green foliage. Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Clara Curtis' grows best in full sun, and tolerates fertile and well-manured loam soils and neutral to slightly acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2–H5 depending on group.

About

Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Clara Curtis' is a perennial Asteraceae that brings late-season flowers from August to October. It forms a well-branched, upright plant with lobed, aromatic mid to grey-green leaves that are deciduous. Plant in a sunny, south- or west-facing spot on fertile, well-manured loam kept moist but well drained and sheltered. Hardiness varies between H2 and H5 depending on group, so winter protection may be needed for the least hardy selections.

About the genus

Chrysanthemums, sometimes abbreviated to mums or chrysanths, are perennial herbaceous flowering plants in the family Asteraceae that bloom in the autumn. They are native to East Asia and northeastern Europe. Most species originate from East Asia, and the center of diversity is in China.

Wikipedia contributors, "Chrysanthemum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Chrysanthemum

In the garden

Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Clara Curtis' is a perennial within the Asteraceae, valued for flowering late in the year; its season runs from August to October. The cultivar grows upright and well-branched with lobed, aromatic foliage in a mid to grey-green tone that is lost in winter. Hardiness is recorded as H2–H5 depending on group (roughly half-hardy through fully hardy), and it is also suitable within USDA zones 5–9. Choose a south- or west-facing, sheltered position in full sun and work in plenty of well-rotted organic matter to create a fertile, well-manured loam. Aim for neutral to slightly acid soil and keep soil moist but well drained; heavy, waterlogged sites should be avoided. These conditions favour sustained flowering and reduce winter stress on less hardy plants. In a UK garden, place Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Clara Curtis' toward the front or middle of late-season borders where its autumn blooms can fill gaps left by earlier perennials. The aromatic, lobed leaves provide texture before they are shed for winter.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Chrysanthemum

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Fertile, well-manured loam
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acid
Soil moisture: Moist but well drained
Aspect: South or west facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H2–H5 depending on group

Plant details

Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Clara Curtis' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Clara Curtis'

Cultivation: These are hungry plants: feed and water generously right through the growing season. Stop the growing tips in early summer to build a branching, well-furnished plant, stake before the flower weight arrives, and lift tender or exhibition kinds after flowering to overwinter the stools in a frost-free frame.
Pruning: Pinch out growing tips in late spring and early summer to encourage branching. Cut stems down to about 15cm after flowering, then lift for storage where the cultivar is not reliably hardy.
Propagation: Take basal cuttings from overwintered stools in late winter and early spring. Hardy border kinds can also be divided in spring.
Pest resistance: Aphids, leaf miner, capsid bug and earwigs all favour the soft growth; eelworm affects long-established stools.
Disease resistance: Susceptible to white rust and powdery mildew under glass or in crowded plantings, so ventilation is essential.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Clara Curtis'?

These are hungry plants: feed and water generously right through the growing season. Stop the growing tips in early summer to build a branching, well-furnished plant, stake before the flower weight arrives, and lift tender or exhibition kinds after flowering to overwinter the stools in a frost-free frame.

Where is the best place to plant Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Clara Curtis'?

Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Clara Curtis' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Clara Curtis' need?

Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Clara Curtis' grows best in fertile and well-manured loam soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well drained.

How do I prune Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Clara Curtis'?

Pinch out growing tips in late spring and early summer to encourage branching. Cut stems down to about 15cm after flowering, then lift for storage where the cultivar is not reliably hardy.

Is Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Clara Curtis' hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Clara Curtis' has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.

How do I propagate Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Clara Curtis'?

Take basal cuttings from overwintered stools in late winter and early spring. Hardy border kinds can also be divided in spring.

More in the Chrysanthemum genus

Browse all Chrysanthemum →