Many gardeners see little utility in the ubiquitous chrysanthemums that clutter nurseries  this time of the year. At gardeninacity blog, filled with posts that exude wit, wisdom and a keen sense of what makes a great garden plant, Jason made the point succinctly:

“It is my contention that Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) are underused, and Chrysanthemums overused, as fall annuals. Pansies like cool weather and tolerate light frosts. In my experience their blooms last longer than those of Chrysanthemums.

Chrysanthemums are not really annuals, but that is how they are used by the million: purchased as a dense floral mound in a pot, then thrown away. I’ve never really liked Chrysanthemums, but I bought a few this year anyway. I wish now that I hadn’t.”

I have to agree (mostly) with Jason. The few mums I have in pots winter over in the greenhouse and I group them for best effect in the fall months. But, while in Salt Lake City Utah recently for a family matter, I found time to visit the Red Butte Garden adjacent to the campus of the University of Utah, and stumbled on this prolific, arching and fragrant chrysanthemum thriving in the landscape.

A closer look revealed the arching spreading habit topped with perfect daisy blooms.

It took me awhile to identify the plant, initially wondering if it was actually an aster of some type. I was in the fragrant garden section of the arboretum, when I finally found a smaller specimen and the identifying plant label.

Bending over, the chrysanthemum leaves gave off their unmistakable odor.

Here’s another closeup from the “What’s Blooming Now” section of the Red Butte Garden website.

Photo courtesy of Red Butte Garden University of Utah

Plant Facts for Chrysanthemum ‘Ryan’s Pink’

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 – 9
• Hardy, arching and relaxed or drooping stems
• Disease resistant; tough plant resistant to common pests.
• Recently reassigned to the genus Dendranthema as Dendranthema x ‘Ryan’s Pink’