Helen Campbell spider flower
Cleome houtteana 'Helen Campbell'
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones2 to 11
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size3 to 4 feet tall12+ inches wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
'Helen Campbell' spider flower (Cleome houtteana 'Helen Campbell') is an annual for borders, cut flowers, and cottage gardens. Frost will kill it, so set it out only after the last frost in spring. This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. It is drought tolerant, and butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees visit the fragrant blooms. It is not a favorite of deer or rabbits, though hungry ones will eat almost anything. Cut stems for bouquets all summer.
Pairs well with Mexican sunflower, Snapdragon, and First Knight fountain grass.