Cleome Cherry Queen

Globes of carmine-rose trumpets on 1.2m stems, each flower throwing stamens up to 10cm beyond the petals in a spiralling cluster that does genuinely look like a spider at rest. It is theatrical in a way very few annuals manage.

Its real value is timing. August is when a border goes flat, the spring rush over and the autumn flowers not yet started, and cleome fills exactly that gap and runs on to the frosts. It works two shifts as well: bumblebees by day, and moths in the evening, when it gives off a sweet scent that makes it one of the better moth plants you can grow here.

Two practical points. The lower stems go bare as the plant gains height, so put something bushy in front of its legs. And there are small sharp spines at the base of every leaf, much like rose thorns, so wear gloves when you cut or deadhead it. Those same spines make it thoroughly rabbit- and deer-proof. It is half-hardy and slow to start, wanting real warmth to germinate, so it is not a plant to rush out in a cold spring.