Senorita Blanca Improved Cleome 'INCLESPIMP'

Senorita Blanca is an herbaceous, tropical perennial (typically grown as an annual) and one variety of the Seniorita(R) series of Cleome cultivars. It is an upright, compact, flowering plant that, unlike many varieties of Cleome, is thornless, seedless, odorless, and does not have sticky foliage. However, the plant is sterile and will not self-seed. It can only be started from transplants. The plants rapidly mature to 2 to 4 feet tall with an 18 to 24 inch spread. The darker green foliage is small, and the plants do not become leggy. The silvery-white flowers are showy and bloom from June to first frost.

Senorita Blanca grows easily in well-drained average to dry soil. It blooms best in full sun, but tolerates some light shade. You should apply consistent watering during the growing season. Once established, plants will tolerate heat and drought. It is winter hardy to USDA Zones 9-10, but is grown as an annual in Zones 3-8.

The plant has weak stems should be planted with lower-growing flowers that will add support. Because they are sterile there is no need to deadhead except for looks.  It is heat and drought tolerant and resistant to deer. Use Senorita Blanca to add height to landscape beds or as a center thriller in combination pots.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems. Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can be a problem. It is susceptible to powdery mildew and rust. Space the plants properly to allow better air circulation to help prevent infection. Remove dead plants after they are killed by frost.