Grandfather's Whiskers Cleome houtteana

Cleome is a tall, somewhat spiky-looking plant with spidery flowers of pink, purple and white combinations. It prefers sun but will tolerate light shade and well-drained soil with consistent moisture through the growing season. It is very effective at the back of the flower bed or against a fence but benefits from lower growing annuals planted in front to hide bare stems and provide support. It attracts birds, hummingbirds, and butterflies. The plant re-seeds freely but is not considered invasive. This plant is seldom damaged by deer or rabbits. Cleome has a musky fragrance which some may find unpleasant, It is attractive as a cut flower but is short-lived once picked.