How to Grow White Cleome
White Cleome
Cleome hassleriana
flowerWhite Cleome, also known as Spider Flower, is a tall, dramatic annual flower with delicate white blooms featuring long, spidery stamens that extend well beyond the petals. Native to South America, it produces showy flower clusters on tall stems and self-seeds readily, making it a prolific garden addition. The plant is drought-tolerant once established and attracts pollinators throughout the growing season.
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Example White Cleome timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant White Cleome
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First White Cleome blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact White Cleome dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives as annual in zones 1-11; perennial in zones 10-11
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Germination
7-14 daysSeeds sprout and develop first true leaves; seedlings are thin and delicate.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
Seedling & Establishment
3-4 weeksPlants develop multiple sets of true leaves and establish stronger root systems; stems begin to thicken.
Reduce watering frequency, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Harden off transplants before planting outdoors.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksTall stems elongate rapidly, reaching their mature height with multiple branches forming. Foliage becomes dense and feathery.
Stake tall varieties if needed. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Minimal fertilizer needed; avoid excess nitrogen.
Flowering
8-12 weeksDense flower clusters appear at stem tips, beginning with lower flowers opening while buds form above. White spidery blooms gradually fill in clusters.
Regular deadheading promotes longer blooming. Ensure consistent watering during flower production. Allow some flowers to remain for seed development if desired.
Seed Production & Decline
Until first frostFlowers fade and elongated seed pods develop. Plants may decline in late summer heat or frost.
Leave some seed pods to mature for self-seeding next year. Allow pods to dry on plant before harvesting seeds.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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Increase humidity, spray with water, apply neem oil if severe
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Spray with strong water stream, use neem oil, or introduce beneficial insects
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Handpick early morning, use beetle traps, apply neem oil
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryCleome flowers are edible with a slightly peppery flavor and can be used as garnishes in salads or as decorative elements on plates. They add visual interest and a delicate spice to gourmet dishes. [source]
Pollinator Magnet
WildlifeWhite Cleome is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the blooming season, making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. The abundant nectar and accessible flower structure make it a reliable food source. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalIn traditional South American medicine, Cleome species have been used to treat inflammation, fever, and skin conditions. Modern research is exploring its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
HouseholdThe tall stems and unique spidery flower clusters make White Cleome excellent for tall arrangements, dried flower arrangements, and garden design. Flowers last well in water and add architectural interest to floral displays. [source]
Dried Flower Preservation
CraftThe elongated seed pods and dried flower clusters preserve exceptionally well for dried arrangements, wreaths, and craft projects. Air-dry entire stems or individual clusters for long-lasting botanical decoration. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut fresh flowers for arrangements in early morning when stems are turgid. For seed harvesting, wait until seed pods turn brown and papery, then collect and dry indoors. Allow some flowers to go to seed for self-sowing next year.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 White Cleome earns the nickname 'Spider Flower' because its long, spidery stamens extending far beyond the petals resemble spider legs, creating an delicate and otherworldly appearance.
- 🌱 This plant is a prolific self-seeder and can return year after year in the same garden location without replanting, sometimes considered naturalized in favorable climates.
- 🌱 Cleome flowers open progressively up the flower spike over several weeks, ensuring continuous blooms at the top while older flowers fade at the bottom.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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