How to Grow Cleome
Cleome
Cleome hassleriana
flowerCleome, commonly known as spider flower, is a tall, dramatic annual or short-lived perennial prized for its distinctive spidery flower clusters and airy foliage. It produces showy blooms in shades of pink, purple, white, or bicolors, with long prominent stamens that create a delicate, spider-like appearance. These fast-growing plants add vertical interest and attract pollinators to gardens throughout the growing season.
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives as an annual in zones 2-11; may overwinter in zones 9-11
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Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons within 7-10 days at warm temperatures (70-75°F). First true leaves are deeply lobed and distinctive.
Keep soil warm and consistently moist. Provide bright light immediately to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once 2-3 true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops a strong central stem with deeply lobed, palmately compound leaves arranged alternately. Rapid height growth occurs, sometimes reaching 3-4 feet.
Stake or support tall varieties if in windy locations. Remove lower leaves as plant grows to improve air circulation. Fertilize every 3-4 weeks with balanced fertilizer.
Budding & Early Flowering
3-4 weeksDistinctive flower buds form at stem tips, appearing as tight clusters. Lower flowers in the spike begin to open while buds remain at the tip, creating a continuously flowering effect.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming. Ensure consistent watering during this stage. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to prevent excessive foliage at expense of flowers.
Peak Flowering
8-10 weeksPlant is covered in showy spider-like flower clusters in pink, purple, white, or bicolors. Stamens extend prominently beyond petals. Attracts butterflies and bees.
Continue deadheading to maintain flowering. Monitor for pests and diseases. Water during dry spells. Enjoy the bloom show, which typically lasts until frost.
Seed Production & Senescence
4-6 weeks until frostIf flowers are not deadheaded, seed pods develop—distinctive elongated capsules that mature green to brown. Plant vigor decreases as energy goes into seed production.
Allow some flowers to go to seed if you want self-sowing for next year. Collect seed pods when they turn brown and dry for storage. Plant will decline as temperatures cool in fall.
Common Pests
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Spray foliage with strong water spray to dislodge; use neem oil or horticultural oil if infestation is severe. Improve air circulation around plants.
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Monitor undersides of leaves; use yellow sticky traps. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed. Encourage natural predators.
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Spray with strong water spray or insecticidal soap. Encourage ladybugs and lacewings. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer which promotes succulent new growth.
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Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants properly and removing lower leaves. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide at first signs. Avoid overhead watering.
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Remove by hand, especially at dawn or dusk. Create barriers with diatomaceous earth. Encourage natural predators like ground beetles.
Uses
Edible flowers
CulinaryCleome flowers are mildly peppery and can be used as ornamental garnishes in salads or as decoration on desserts, adding visual interest and a subtle spicy note to culinary presentations. [source]
Cut flowers & floral arrangements
HouseholdCleome's tall spiky flower clusters are striking in cut flower arrangements, providing vertical structure and an airy, delicate texture that complements denser flowers and adds movement to bouquets. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeSpider flowers are excellent nectar sources that attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds throughout the growing season, making them valuable for supporting pollinator populations in gardens. [source]
Dried seed pods
CraftThe mature elongated seed pods are attractive dried and can be used in dried arrangements, crafts, or wreaths, offering interesting texture and form after the flowers fade. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalIn traditional medicine systems, cleome has been used in preparations for skin conditions and inflammation, though scientific evidence is limited and any medicinal use should be discussed with healthcare providers. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cleome is grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Cut stems with multiple flower clusters make excellent cut flowers—harvest in the morning when fully hydrated. Remove lower leaves and condition in cool water for vase life of 7-10 days. For seed collection, allow 2-3 flower spikes to mature on the plant; collect pods when brown and dry (late summer/early fall), then extract and dry seeds for storage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'spider flower' refers to the long, spindly stamens that extend far beyond the petals, creating a delicate, spider-like appearance that makes cleome instantly recognizable in the garden.
- 🌱 Cleome is self-seeding and prolific—plants readily drop seeds in fall that germinate the following spring, making it possible to establish cleome throughout a garden with minimal additional planting.
- 🌱 Despite their tall, delicate appearance, cleome plants are remarkably vigorous and can grow 3-4 feet tall in a single season from seed, making them excellent for quickly filling vertical garden space.
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