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Cleome – commonly known as spider flower – can add a tropical touch to flower beds and borders. This tall annual has spiny stems with forked foliage and clusters of small, round, white, pink or purple flowers that are lightly scented in summer.
Cleome is a fast-growing annual shrub that grows to 4 feet (1.2 m) or more in height and about as wide. Plant Cleome behind other plants; it can be grown as a flowering summer hedge against a wall or fence. It also grows well in containers.
Flowers can be cherry red, lilac, pink, purple, pink, ruby and white. There are several named cultivars.
Cleome has excellent self-seeding ability.
Cleome is a genus of 150 species of hardy evergreen and annual shrubs native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Meet Cleome
- Plant type: Annual
- Growing area and range: Zone 2-11
- Hardness: Soft
- Height and width: 3 to 5 feet (1-1.5m) tall; 4 to 5 feet (1.2-1.5m) wide
- Foliage: Lower leaves divided, upper leaves undivided; leaves and stems feel sticky to the touch; odor is strong but not unpleasant
- Flower: 4-petal spider-shaped flower, with prominent stamens
- Flower color: Pink, purple, white and yellow
- Bloom time: Mid summer to frost
- Uses: Plant in large beds or as temporary hedges, cottages and meadow gardens
- Botanical name: Cleome is in trouble
- Common name: Spider flower
- Family: Family Capparaceae
- Origin: Plains and mountain valleys in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide
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Where to grow Cleome
- Grow Cleome in full sun in Zones 2-5; Plant in full sun to shade in Zones 6-11.
- Plant Cleome in moist, humus-rich soil.
Uses of Cleome
- Cleome is a colorful addition to the back of the border.
- Cleome can form a fast-growing hedge; it blooms from summer until severe frost.
- Plant short-term annuals before Cleome.
- Flowers can be cut to make indoor bouquets.
When to plant Cleome
- Plant seedlings in spring after all danger of frost has passed.
Planting and spacing Cleome
- Space spider flowers at least 12 inches apart.
How to water and feed Cleome
- Cleome wanted lots of water.
- Fertilize Cleome lightly to prevent the plant from growing too tall.
Caring for Cleome
- Cleome has small thorns, be careful when handling them.
- Stake Cleomes when they are about 12 inches tall.
- Cleome often recurs and may require control.
Cleome pests and diseases
- Cleome is often sick and has no pests.
Breeding Cleome
- Cleome is easily grown from seed.
- Chill seeds overnight before planting in medium soil.
- Seeds germinate within 10 to 14 days at 64°F (18°C).
Cleome Varieties to Grow
- Cleome in trouble (C. spinosa): bushy annual bearskin bears clusters of pink or white flowers with very long protruding stamens; can grow up to 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide; thrives in high temperatures and tolerates some drought; cultivar ‘Queen’ is a popular series and includes ‘Rose Queen’, ‘Ruby Queen’ and ‘Mixed Queen’, ‘Helen Campbell’ has white flowers.
- C. lutea. Western wildflowers have yellow flowers and light green leaves.
Cleome’s FAQ
Q: What growing conditions does Cleome prefer?
Answer: Cleome grows well in average soil, full sun or minimal shade. It is very drought tolerant, although it will grow better if well watered. Space plants 1 to 3 feet apart.
Q: How can I propagate cleome?
A: Propagate pine trees by seeds. Sow after the last frost when the ground is warm. Cleomes can also be started indoors 4 to 6 weeks earlier at 70F. Germination takes 10 to 14 days. Outdoors, cleome seeds profusely.
Q: What is the best way to use cleome in the garden?
A: Plant cleome for its height. Place it at the back of a border or in the middle of an island. It can also be used as a space-defining hedge, although you may want to hide the bare stems. Cleome can be used to plant tall containers. It also makes a beautiful cut flower.
Q: Does Cleome need to bet?
Answer: Usually not. Cleamoe has a strong body and does not require stalking. It is very attractive when allowed to sway in gentle breezes.
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