Cleome Helen Campbell RHS Seeds

Cleome Helen Campbell RHS Seeds - Irish Plants Direct

 

Cleome hassleriana 'Helen Campbell' is a striking annual that adds a dramatic and exotic touch to any garden with its large, spidery flowers in vibrant pink hues.

 

This unique variety of Cleome is particularly prized for its tall, airy flower spikes that create an impressive visual display from summer to autumn.

 

The name Cleome comes from the Greek word kleoma, meaning "glory," reflecting the plant's glorious, showy blooms. Helen Campbell is a standout variety, known for its strong, upright growth and abundant, fragrant flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a fantastic choice for wildlife friendly gardens.

 

This eye-catching plant grows to a height of 120 - 150 cm, making it perfect for the back of borders, in mixed beds, or as a statement plant in a container.

 

Cleome Helen Campbell thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil and prefers full sun, where its flowers will bloom profusely. Its tall, open form allows other plants to be included in the foreground, creating a layered, dynamic garden display.

 

As part of the RHS Seed Scheme, Cleome Helen Campbell offers premium-quality seeds that ensure excellent germination rates and robust plant growth.

 

Seed Qty: Approx. 250

 

Sow: February - April (indoors) or April - May (outdoors)

Germination: 14 - 21 days

Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; neutral to slightly alkaline pH

Height: 120 - 150 cm

Flowering: July - September

Companion Plants: Sunflowers, Zinnias, Nasturtiums

Avoid Planting With: Heavy-feeding plants

 

Cleome Helen Campbell is relatively low-maintenance once established. It is drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering during dry spells. To encourage continued blooming, deadhead spent flowers, and cut back any leggy growth to maintain a tidy appearance. It is also a fantastic choice for cutting gardens, as the flowers make long-lasting additions to fresh floral arrangements.

 

Sowing Instructions

 

Indoors: Sow seeds in trays or pots filled with moist, well-drained compost from February to March. Lightly cover the seeds with compost and maintain a temperature of 18-21°C. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots and harden off before planting outdoors after the last frost.

 

Outdoors: Sow directly into prepared, weed-free soil from April to May. Lightly cover the seeds with soil and keep moist until germination occurs. Thin seedlings to the recommended spacing to allow healthy growth.

 

With its bold, vibrant flowers and striking height, Cleome Helen Campbell is perfect for adding drama and colour to garden borders, mixed beds, or containers. It will thrive in full sun and attract plenty of pollinators, making it a fantastic addition to any wildlife-friendly garden.

 

RHS Seed Scheme Range