Helen Campbell' is a particularly attractive variety which produces scented white flowers throughout the summer The extraordinarily long stamens protruding from the large scented flowers and the long seed pods, borne later in the season give the flowers its spidery appearance.

This easy-to-grow annual adds colour to the late summer garden when many flowers are beginning to fade. The fluffy clusters of white flowers are wonderful for attracting butterflies. Gives a strong vertical dimension and makes a excellent background plant. It also makes a great cut flower and the seed capsules dry well.
Plant at the back of the border or use then as accent plants in large tubs for an exotic feel. The plants will reseed themselves for next year.

Frost and cold winds are lethal to this elegant South American annual.
If you wish to start them early in the year, do so under glass and only plant out after the danger of frosts has passed - obey these simple rules, and the rest is easy, despite its exotic appearance.

The RHS has awarded it the prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Sowing: Sow indoors in Feb to April or outdoors in May
Either sow indoors 4 to 6 weeks before last frost, or sow directly where they are to flower after all danger of frost has passed

Sowing Indoors:
Sow seeds into 9cm (3½in) pots, at a depth of 6 to 12 mm (¼ to ½in) containing a multipurpose compost and keep at 18*C (64*F).
Seedlings will appear in 10 to 14 days.
Grow on in a warm position: indoors a conservatory or warm greenhouse.
Pot on into 12cm (5in) pots in early May and harden off for 10 to14 days before planting after the last frosts.

Sowing Direct:
Prepare the ground beforehand and sow seeds thinly, up to 6 to 12 mm (¼ to ½in) deep. Water well.
When the seedlings are 2.5cm (1in) tall thin to 45cm (18in) apart.

Cultivation:
Feed plants fortnightly with liquid feed from a handheld applicator. Don’t allow the compost to become over wet.
Deadheading will promote further flowering. Remove plants completely at the end of the season, but wear gloves for protection, since the stems are spiny.

Plant Uses:
Architectural or Flowers Borders and Beds.