Cleome - Spider Flower - Spider Plant - An Annual Flower For Your Garden © 2006

Cleome

Cleome spinosa
Capparaceae - Caper family
Spider flower, spider plant

Cleome is a warm season annual flower which originated in tropical America and was introduced into Great Britain in 1817. It flowers from mid-summer on. Each flower is a mix of white, flesh, and rose pink or purple. It requires full sun, but in areas of very high summer temperatures it can stand some shade. There are about 200 species in the wild, only one of which is grown in flower gardens.

Cleome is an unusual looking annual flower and is quite striking when planted along the edge of a woods or fence. In the early morning mist when the dew is still on and the sun throws a soft light the flowers almost glow in the morning light. Cleome has a strong smell, not agreeable to some people so plantings near a patio or outdoor recreation area may not be suitable.

Cleome seed is planted in early spring in the greenhouse, in a hotbed or cold frame about six to eight weeks before the last spring frost. Spider flower will re-seed itself. Some of the smaller varieties can become almost weed like. Cleome gets pretty big, three to five feet in height, so allow it plenty of room.

The cleome flower is about eight inches in diameter and grows out from terminal branches at the top and sides of the plant. As the flower matures the dried seed clusters dangle down looking much like spider legs. This is where the common name for the plant originated.

Some popular varieties:
Queen
Five to six foot plants, this is an heirloom variety. It will self sow.

Color Fountain
Forty two inch plants with rose, pink, lilac, purple and white flower sprays.

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