Spider Flower

Spider Flower Care

Cleome Hassleriana

What is the plant

Cleomes may not be the most popular annuals sold at home improvement stores and nurseries, and it may be because they look rather weedy as young seedlings in six-packs. Unlike pert marigolds or dazzling New Guinea impatiens, cleomes usually do not start blooming until they are well established in the garden. Once the flower clusters emerge, you will see why gardeners add this to their list of easy-care favorites. Many petals radiate from a central point, forming a cluster, which tends to be softball-sized. Long stamens give the flowers a spiky look. Even the foliage is attractive, as it is fern-like and delicate.

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Humidity

Dry

Lighting

Full Sun

Hardiness zone

10 - 11

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Once established, cleomes are drought-tolerant, making them a welcome addition to the xeriscape garden. Add a 3-inch layer of organic mulch to their planting bed, and you will decrease their water needs even further.
Fertilizer
If using good well-drained soil and mulch, no fertilizer is necessary.
Sunlight
Cleome flowers grow best in full sun, as shady conditions can make them grow so tall as to topple over. If you start with transplants, you will see blossoms from early summer until the first frost. Gardeners growing cleome flowers from seed usually see their first flowers in mid to late June, depending on the climate.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
Cleomes do best in average garden soil or rich well-drained garden loam.
Temperature
For successful germination, cleomes need higher-than-normal temperatures. Fluctuating day/night temperatures are essential for optimum germination. During the day, temperatures should range from 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit; nightly temperatures should stay between 68 and 70 F.
Container
You can grow cleome in large containers, but choose a compact variety like the 'Sparkler' series for best results. Combine your potted cleomes with a mounding flower like vincas and a trailing flower like petunias for the most full and lush look.