Spider flower Cleome hassleriana 'Helen Campbell'
ABOUT
The plant known as Helen Campbell is recognized for its unique and striking appearance. It features bright white flowers that consist of four rounded petals radiating from a central point, giving them a spider-like look. These blossoms cluster at the top of a sturdy stem, creating a dense, spherical inflorescence that resembles a burst of sparklers. The center of each flower is often adorned with long, protruding stamens, which add an additional element of texture and interest. The foliage of Helen Campbell is equally noteworthy, with its palmate leaves that have a distinctive, almost tropical appearance. Each leaf is made up of multiple slender, lance-shaped leaflets that emanate from a central point, giving the foliage a delicate, airy feel despite its robust structure. The overall foliage color is a vibrant green, which provides a lovely contrast against the pure white blooms. Furthermore, this plant is characterized by its pleasantly aromatic scent, which it releases, particularly in the evenings or at night. This fragrance adds another layer of sensory appeal to the garden. The combination of its elegant blooms, attractive foliage, and delightful scent makes Helen Campbell a favored choice among gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cleomaceae.
Synonyms
Spider Flower, Spider Legs, Grandfather's Whiskers, Helen Campbell Cleome.
Common names
Cleome hassleriana 'Helen Campbell'.
ToxicityTo humans
Spider flower is not known to be toxic to humans. There is no well-documented evidence that ingesting Spider flower, or contact with it, causes any serious harmful effects in people. However, as with many plants, it is generally recommended to avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants due to the potential for individual allergic reactions or gastrointestinal discomfort.
To pets
Spider flower is not listed as toxic to pets by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). This suggests that it is generally considered safe around pets, with no significant toxic effects expected if pets were to ingest it. As with any non-food plant, ingestion could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the novelty and fiber content, but there are no specific toxicities associated with Spider flower to be concerned about.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: This plant is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which are essential for pollination and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is drought-resistant, making it suitable for water-wise gardens and reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Easy to Grow: It is relatively easy to cultivate and can thrive in a variety of soil types, requiring minimal maintenance.
- Long Blooming: The Spider Flower has a long blooming season, often from early summer until frost, providing continuous color and visual interest.
- Architectural Interest: With its tall, upright growth habit and unique flower structure, it adds an architectural element to garden designs.
- Edible Parts: Certain parts of the plant are edible and can be used in salads and other dishes, although they are not widely consumed.
- Companion Planting: It can be used in companion planting strategies to help deter pests from more susceptible plants.
- Provides Habitat: The dense foliage and height provide shelter for small wildlife and beneficial insects.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cleome hassleriana, commonly known as Spider Flower, can be used as a natural pest deterrent due to its strong scent and unique flower structure which some garden pests tend to avoid.
- The sticky substance on the stems of Spider Flower plants can function as a natural flypaper, trapping small insects.
- The vibrant and unique flowers of Spider Flower can be used as a natural dye source for textiles, imparting subtle hues.
- Spider Flower seeds can be used in educational settings to demonstrate germination and growth processes due to their relatively large size and ease of handling.
- The fibrous stems of Spider Flower may be used in crafting, such as for making paper or being woven into a rough textile for decorative purposes.
- Because of its structure, Spider Flower could be employed in floral arrangements to provide height and visual interest.
- The plant's ability to thrive in poor soil conditions can be utilized to stabilize and beautify erosion-prone areas.
- The nectar of the Spider Flower blossom is an attractant for beneficial garden insects like bees and butterflies, making it excellent for pollinator gardens.
- In areas where light pollution is a concern, Spider Flower can be used to add nighttime visibility to gardens due to its pale-colored flowers that reflect moonlight.
- Spider Flowers can be used in art installations or as a living sculpture within garden spaces, taking advantage of their striking form and rapid growth rate.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Spider Flower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Spider Flower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Elusiveness: The Cleome hassleriana, commonly known as Spider Flower, has a unique floral structure that can seem to reach out in all directions, akin to a spider's legs. This can symbolize the complexity and mystery of life, suggesting a sense of elusiveness and intricacy in its form.
- Solitude or Independence: Spider Flowers can grow in conditions where other plants may not thrive, representing the ability to stand alone or maintain independence in challenging circumstances.
- Expansive Thinking: With its sprawling form and the way it seems to occupy space, the Spider Flower can symbolize the idea of expansive thinking or creativity that reaches out into the world.
WaterSpider flower, or Cleome hassleriana 'Helen Campbell', should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Typically, during the growing season, watering thoroughly once a week with approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant should be sufficient. However, in very hot weather or if the plants are in containers, they may need water more frequently, even daily. Decrease watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy. It's important to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can promote disease.
LightSpider flower thrives in a spot where it can receive full sun for at least six hours a day. The best lighting condition for Cleome hassleriana 'Helen Campbell' involves placing it in an area where it benefits from bright, direct sunlight, which promotes vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Partial shade is tolerated, but fewer flowers may be produced in lower light conditions.
TemperatureSpider flower prefers warm temperatures and performs best when daytime temperatures are between 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Cleome hassleriana 'Helen Campbell' can survive minimum temperatures down to around 40 degrees Fahrenheit but is not frost-tolerant. The ideal growing condition is a warm environment with stable temperatures and protection from cold drafts and sudden temperature drops.
PruningPruning is not necessary for Spider flower, but occasional deadheading of spent blooms on Cleome hassleriana 'Helen Campbell' can encourage more blossoms and extend the flowering period. If desired, light pruning can be done throughout the growing season to shape the plant or control its size. The best time to prune is after flowering has diminished, usually in late summer or early fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSpider Flower prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of loamy soil, peat, and perlite or sand is ideal for good drainage and aeration. Adding compost or a balanced slow-release fertilizer can enhance growth.
RepottingSpider Flower does not typically require frequent repotting as it is often grown as an annual. However, if grown as a perennial, consider repotting every 2-3 years to replenish the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingSpider Flower thrives in moderate to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable to different conditions. Aim for around 50-70% humidity for optimal growth, but the plant will tolerate lower levels without significant problems.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Spider Flower in a bright spot with some direct sun.
Outdoor
Choose a sunny location with good air circulation.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Cleome hassleriana 'Helen Campbell', commonly known as Spider Flower, begins with seed germination, which is highly dependent on temperature and soil conditions, but generally occurs in spring. Following germination, the seedlings grow rapidly, developing a characteristic bushy foliage with trifoliate leaves. As the plant matures, it produces tall spires of white, pink, or violet flowers from summer through to fall, which are highly attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into elongated seed pods that eventually dry and release seeds for the next generation. The Spider Flower is an annual species, meaning its life cycle from germination to seed production is completed within one growing season. With the arrival of winter, the above-ground parts of the Cleome die, but the plant may self-seed, thus ensuring its presence in the garden for the following year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
The Spider Flower, or Cleome hassleriana 'Helen Campbell', is most commonly propagated through seeds. To propagate by seeds, it is best to sow them directly into the garden after the last frost when the soil has warmed, typically in late spring to early summer. The seeds should be scattered sparingly on loosened soil and lightly covered with about an eighth of an inch of soil. Regular watering will help ensure germination, which usually occurs within 10 to 14 days. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, they should be thinned out to prevent overcrowding, allowing for healthier growth and better air circulation among the plants.
![Spider flower [Señorita Blanca]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b59ba64bbe.png&w=640&q=75)
