Is Cleome hassleriana an annual or perennial?
Cleome or spider flower, is a fast-growing tender perennial with a compact upright habit. It is grown as an annual or tender perennial below Zone 9, typically rising to 3-6′ tall on rigid stems clad with compound palmate green leaves (each leaflet to 2-3 long). Cleomes need very light pruning. Snip off dead leaves or damaged areas during the growing season. If the plants are spindly right before planting, trim them back by half to encourage new growth once they are in the ground.Cleome is a favorite of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting pollination for other plants in your garden. It’s drought-tolerant once established and thrives in a wide range of soils, making it ideal for gardeners who prefer low-effort plants.Because the new blooms form on top of the old ones, the plants require no deadheading. Cleome is sometimes called spider plant because of the seed pods that dangle down from blooms. Though its tall, floriferous and easy to grow, cleome has not always been a popular choice.It begins flowering in late June or early July and flowers continuously, with new blooms forming along the same stem as the old ones. Because the new blooms form on top of the old ones, the plants require no deadheading. Cleome is sometimes called spider plant because of the seed pods that dangle down from blooms.Technically, cleome is an annual, though it may survive for longer than one season in parts of Florida. Cleome often self-seeds, which means you’ll have plants in the same location year after year. However, certain newer cultivars like ‘Senorita Rosalita’ are sterile and won’t produce seeds.
Where is the best place to plant cleome?
Cleome adds vertical interest in an island annual bed. Spider flower grows best in full sun in moist, well-drained soil. Cleome is a useful plant in a cottage, cutting, or drought tolerant garden and is a good attractant for pollinators like bats, bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and moths. It also resists the challenges of deer and rabbits.Cleome is also highly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. Hardy from zones 8-11.Cleome is a useful plant in a cottage, cutting, or drought tolerant garden and is a good attractant for pollinators like bats, bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and moths. It also resists the challenges of deer and rabbits.
What is the lifespan of a cleome plant?
Lifespan of Cleome and Its Implications for Growth Cleome plants usually complete their lifecycle within 3-4 months, from seed to seed. Technically, cleome is an annual, though it may survive for longer than one season in parts of Florida. Cleome often self-seeds, which means you’ll have plants in the same location year after year.
Where is the best place to plant Cleome?
Cleome adds vertical interest in an island annual bed. Spider flower grows best in full sun in moist, well-drained soil. The best place to put a spider plant is in or near an east-, west-, or south-facing window, with a sheer curtain between the plant and the window. Outdoors it grows well in a moderately shaded area.