Is Cleome easy to grow? A detailed guide to growing methods

Other names for Cleome

Western spider flower, spider flower, purple dragon whiskers, spider plant

Morphological characteristics of Cleome

Cleome is a robust annual herbaceous plant, 1-1.5 m tall, with the whole plant covered in sticky glandular hairs, having a peculiar odor, with stipular spines, the spines reaching up to 4 mm long, sharp, and outward-curving.

Cleome blooms from June to September. Its flower stems are long and sturdy. When the flowers are in full bloom, the raceme forms a full flower ball, and each small flower looks like a dancing butterfly, very beautiful.

Growth habits of Cleome

It has strong adaptability. It prefers high temperatures, is relatively tolerant of summer heat, and avoids cold. It likes sunny locations, and can also grow well in semi-shaded places. It is not demanding about soil; in fertile ground with sufficient water and fertilizer, the plants grow tall; in general soil with medium fertility, it can also grow well; it grows poorly in sandy loam, somewhat clayey soil, or alkaline soil. It likes moist soil and is also relatively tolerant of drought, but dislikes waterlogging.

Main uses of Cleome

Landscaping: The petals of Cleome are light and graceful, and when in full bloom they look like butterflies dancing, which is quite interesting. It can be used in summer and autumn to arrange flower beds and flower borders, and can also be dwarf-cultivated as a potted ornamental. In landscaping applications, because of its tolerance of semi-shade, it can be planted under trees or on the shady side of buildings for viewing.

Economic: Cleome opens in the evening and withers the next day, so it is also called the flower of summer nights; its brief life gives a sense of illusory impermanence. This Cleome is native to the tropical regions of South America and is an excellent pollution-resistant flower, with strong resistance to sulfur dioxide and chlorine gas; it can beautify the environment and is a very good pollution-resistant flower, and can grow well even in heavily polluted factory and mining areas. It is also an excellent nectar plant and can be used to extract high-quality essential oil.