Cleome, often called spider flower, is a tall annual known for its airy blooms, long stamens, and ability to glow in summer gardens. Gardeners love cleome for its height, heat tolerance, and the way it attracts pollinators while filling space effortlessly. This guide covers what cleome is, how to grow it from seed, what seedlings look like, and when to plant for the best results.
What Do Cleome Seedlings Look Like?
Cleome seedlings have a delicate, wispy appearance that often surprises new growers. The first leaves to appear are long, narrow cotyledons that sit on thin, upright stems. At this stage, seedlings can look fragile or even spindly, but this is completely normal for cleome.
As true leaves develop, you’ll notice a more distinctive shape forming. The leaves begin to divide into multiple leaflets like the photo above. Seedlings are typically light to medium green and grow slowly at first, focusing energy on root development rather than height.
This slow early growth is expected and not a sign of trouble. Once temperatures warm and roots establish, cleome seedlings take off quickly and stretch upward, often surprising gardeners with their sudden growth spurt.
Why Cleome is the Perfect Choice for a Glowing Garden
Cleome’s flowers appear as though they’ve captured sunlight within their petals. Their long, spindly stamens reach outward like fireworks frozen in mid-explosion. It’s a plant that fills your garden with effortless elegance while attracting pollinators with its nectar-rich blossoms. Plus, Cleome’s ability to thrive in various climates makes it a versatile pick for anyone looking to add a little glow to their green space.What Makes Cleome (Spider Flower) So Unique
Cleome’s unusually long stamens are not just decorative, they’re functional. The extended filaments make nectar easier for pollinators to reach, which is why bees and butterflies flock to the blooms. These dramatic stamens also give each flower its signature spider-like look, setting cleome apart from more compact summer annuals.
Unlike dense, petal-packed flowers, cleome blooms are naturally airy. Each flower cluster is made up of loosely arranged petals that allow light to pass through, creating that glowing, almost translucent effect in the garden. This openness keeps the plant looking light and elegant, even at full height.
Cleome’s loose, architectural shape comes from its upright stems and open branching habit. Instead of forming a tight mound, the plant grows tall and spaced, adding vertical structure without feeling heavy. This makes cleome ideal for filling large areas, softening fences, and weaving height into mixed borders without overwhelming nearby plants.
Why Cleome is a Must-Have for Your Garden
Beyond its beauty, Cleome is incredibly resilient. It’s drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and thrives with minimal care. This makes it ideal for busy gardeners who want maximum visual impact without spending hours on upkeep. Additionally, Cleome’s tall, bushy growth helps fill out garden spaces and creates an excellent backdrop for shorter flowers.Types of Cleome
Popular Cleome Varieties to Grow
Sparkler Blush
A delicate pink variety that thrives in cottage gardens, adding soft, pastel blooms that contrast beautifully with lush greenery. Its compact growth makes it perfect for smaller spaces or container planting. With a long blooming season, this variety attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, creating a lively and vibrant garden. Its low-maintenance nature, makes it an excellent choice for both beginner and seasoned gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance to their outdoor space.➡️ BUY CLEOME SPARKLER BLUSH SEED HERE
Mauve Queen
Known for its soothing purple hues, this variety brings a calm, regal presence to garden borders. Its tall, elegant stalks make it a standout for vertical interest in flower beds. Hummingbirds love these nectar-rich flowers. Pollinators love the brilliant pink blooms. The seeds perform best when cold stratified.➡️ BUY CLEOME MAUVE QUEEN SEED HERE
.Cherry Queen
A bold variety featuring rich cherry-pink blooms, adding a burst of dramatic color to any garden. Perfect for creating striking focal points, especially in mixed flower displays.
Its vibrant blooms are perfect for borders or mass plantings, creating a bold visual impact throughout the summer. Thriving in full sun, Cherry Queen is drought-tolerant and easy to care for, making it a reliable choice for low-maintenance gardens.
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Queen Mix
A versatile blend of vivid reds, purples, pinks, and whites, providing a dynamic and colorful display. Ideal for gardeners seeking a variety of hues in one planting for a more vibrant and playful garden atmosphere.
This blend not only adds visual interest but also attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees, enhancing the liveliness of your garden. Its robust growth and easy-care nature make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking for both beauty and convenience.
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White Queen
Pure white, ethereal blooms that offer a crisp, clean look, perfect for formal or minimalist gardens. This variety also shines in moonlight, creating a glowing effect in evening gardens.
In addition to its striking beauty, White Queen is drought-tolerant and easy to maintain, making it a great option for low-maintenance landscapes. Its tall, graceful stems provide vertical interest, while its nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
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Eden Brother’s Mixed Colors
Known for its pastel shades of pink, lavender, and white, this blend adds a soft, romantic feel to borders or large containers. It has a graceful, fountain-like shape that gives it a sense of movement and flow in the garden.
Its delicate colors and airy form make it a perfect companion for more vibrant plants, balancing bold hues with its subtle charm. The long-lasting blooms attract butterflies and bees, adding life and motion to your garden throughout the season.
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Rocky Mountain Bee Plant
A pollinator magnet with rosy-purple flowers that are a favorite among bees and butterflies. This variety not only adds beauty but also supports local biodiversity, making it a great choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.
Here’s a historical tidbit: According to the US Forest Service “This species was one of the many new plants collected in 1804 during the Lewis and Clark expedition.”
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Which Cleome Colors Best Suit Your Garden
Choosing the right Cleome color depends on the mood you wish to create. Soft pinks and lavenders add a gentle, romantic touch, while pure white Cleome can lend a crisp, elegant feel to more formal gardens. If you’re looking to make a statement, opt for the deep purples or rich magentas that bring energy and boldness to any space.Preparing to Grow Cleome
How to Choose the Right Location for Cleome
Cleome loves sunlight, so pick a location that offers full sun for at least 6 hours a day. This plant is also quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of soil types, but it performs best in well-draining, loamy soil. Place Cleome in spots where its tall, airy structure can complement or frame other garden plants.Soil Preparation Tips for Thriving Cleome
For optimal growth, amend your soil with compost or well-rotted manure to boost fertility. Cleome prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Ensuring good drainage is crucial — Cleome dislikes waterlogged conditions, which can stunt its growth and lead to root rot.The Best Time of Year to Plant Cleome
Cleome is typically planted in late spring, after the danger of frost has passed. For warmer climates, you can sow the seeds directly outdoors. In cooler areas, consider starting them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date for earlier blooms.Planting Cleome from Seeds
Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Cleome from Seeds
Sow them in seed trays or directly in the garden, covering them lightly with soil. Cleome seeds need warmth to sprout, so keep the soil temperature between 70-75°F. They usually germinate within 7-14 days. You can learn more about starting seeds in my post here.Tips for Germinating Cleome Seeds Successfully
Patience is key when germinating Cleome seeds. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and ensure they get plenty of light. Using a heat mat can speed up the process in cooler climates. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them out to prevent overcrowding.Transplanting Cleome Seedlings
When and How to Transplant Cleome into Your Garden
Transplant Cleome seedlings when they are 4-6 inches tall and the weather is warm enough. Space them about 12-18 inches apart, as Cleome can grow tall and bushy. Ensure they’re planted deep enough to support their rapid growth but be gentle with their delicate roots.Caring for Young Cleome Plants After Transplanting
Once in the ground, water Cleome regularly until established. Mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. As Cleome matures, it will require less water but will benefit from occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer.Caring for Cleome Throughout the Season
Watering and Feeding Cleome for Optimal Growth
Cleome is relatively drought-tolerant, but it still appreciates a good soak during dry spells. Water deeply once a week. Feed your plants every 4-6 weeks with a liquid fertilizer to encourage continuous blooming or if you notice yellowing on the leaves.Pruning and Deadheading Cleome for More Blooms
I personally do not prune or deadhead my Cleome. But if you find them spindley or low on blooms you can prune Cleome lightly to create shape and deadhead spent blooms to promote more flowers. The removal of dead flowers will encourage the plant to divert its energy into producing new buds, extending the bloom period well into fall.How to Support Cleome to Prevent Flopping
Cleome’s tall stature means it may need support in windy areas. Consider staking or planting it against a fence or other structure to prevent flopping. Additionally, planting Cleome in clusters can help them support each other as they grow. That is what I prefer to do.Cleome and Pollinators
