Description
The spider flower is a vigorous annual of the caper family (Capparaceae). It comes from America and grows up to 150 cm tall. The plant is covered with hairs; its stems are heavily branched and densely leafy, and the fragrant flowers are gathered in loose racemes.
Cleome flowers for a long time – from July until autumn. Its unusual fragrant flowers are gathered at the tips of the shoots in loose racemes on flowering stems 80 to 120 cm tall. The flowers may be white, pink or violet in various shades.
Requirements
This plant grows well in fertile, not too moist soils and in warm, sunny positions.
Propagation
Cleome is propagated by seed sown in March in a greenhouse, cold frame or indoors, in pots filled with sandy soil. Just press the seeds in – do not cover them with soil – and keep evenly moist until they come up. The seeds should germinate after 3–4 weeks. Then prick out the seedlings singly into pots and keep them in a cool, bright room. They can be planted in their final position only in the second half of May, 50 cm apart. You can also sow directly outdoors until the end of April.
Care
Regular feeding is essential, but water only a little. It is recommended mainly for planting in groups, but can also be grown as a cut flower.