The Spider Flower is a must if you like to see the unusual and the exotic in your garden. The large bushy plant is equally at home as a dot plant in the centre of a flower bed or as a gap-filler in the shrubbery. The scented flowers bear long stamens which give the blooms a spidery appearance. Keep watch for greenfly on young plants.
VARIETIES: All the garden specimens are varieties of C. spinosa – the latin name refers to the thorns at the base of the leaves. A white variety (‘Helen Campbell’) is available, but the usual flower colour is pale purple or rose. ‘Pink Queen’ and ‘Rose Queen’ are popular types – for a mixture of colours grow ‘Colour Fountain’. Look for the dwarf yellow novelty ‘Golden Sparkler’.
SITE & SOIL: A fertile, well-drained soil is necessary. Choose a sunny spot.
PLANT DETAILS: Height 3 – 4 ft. Spacing 1 ½ ft. Flowering period July – September.
PROPAGATION: Follow the Half Hardy Annual technique. Plant out when the danger of frost is past.