Spider flower

Frost and cold winds are lethal to this elegant South American annual, so start under glass and only plant out after the last frosts - obey these simple rules, and the rest is easy, despite its exotic appearance. The common name refers to the extraordinarily long stamens protruding from the large scented flowers, and both these and the long seed pods later in the season give the flowers a very spidery appearance. A finely blended mixture such as 'Colour Fountain' makes some of the most appealing dot plants among bedding, and makes excellent pot plants too. Also known as C. spinosa.