Botanical Name:
Cleome hasslerana
Life Cycle:
annual
Planting Time:
spring
Height:
4' to 6'
Exposure:
full sun or light shade
Soil:
rich, well-drained soil, neutral pH
Hardiness:
n/a
Bloom Time:
early summer to mid fall
Flower:
white, rose and pinks
Foliage:
green
Propagation:
seeds, self-sowing
Suggested Use:
beds, borders, cut flowers
Growing Hints:
Start seeds indoors four weeks before the last frost or sow seeds directly in the ground after the danger of the last frost has passed. When planting, just press seeds lightly into the soil, as they need light to germinate. Seeds will germinate in approximately two weeks at temperatures of 70º. Pinching them back as they grow will help produce bushier plants.
Interesting Facts:
The nickname "Spider Flower" comes from the spidery-like flowers with long, waving stamen, which are held on tall, strong leafy stems. Cleome can have a strong, unpleasant musky odor, so should be planted away from widows and doors. They are a favorite of hummingbirds.
