Dendranthema 'Clara Curtis'

Dendranthema. I do really like to say it out loud. "Den dran theme ah." At least that's how I pronounce it. Many times you only know plants from texts or catalogs until you bring one in and experiment with it. But, the orality or pronunciation is something one produces in their imagination. So, I have to admit, I have never heard anyone actually say this name before and my pronunciation is just made up.

The trick with Dendranthema is that everyone wants to call it a "Chrysanthemum." Which, in a way it certainly is. But, I think conventionally, mums are planted as annuals - we buy them in the fall for autumnal color. We may call Dendranthema, "Hardy Mum," but of course this isn't as fun to say. Dendranthema is cold hardy to Zone 3.

I believe I have only used it one time. Shown here, I returned to a site I planted it at four years ago as an experiment and I am in love with it. First, I love plants that run a little bit and can hold down some territory and compete against weeds. This Hardy Mum spreads somewhat, but if it gets a little beyond the spacial constraints you wish for it just easily pulls out with your hand roots and all.