Spider Plant Cleome
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Spider Plant:
Previously known as:
- Cleome hasslerana
- Cleome spinosa
- Phonetic Spelling
- klay-OH-me
- Description
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Cleome is a genus in the caper family (Cleomaceae) with 120 or more species native to temperate and tropical areas of many parts of the world. They vary in size and shape and can be annuals, perennials or shrubs.The Genus name comes from the New Latin meaning a plant with showy flowers.
The ornamental plants used in the garden can be 2 to 6 feet in height and generally prefer full sun in moist, well-drained amended garden soil. Pinch back in early summer to promote a bushier plant if desired.
The flowers vary in size and color depending on the species, but most have long thin stamens, giving them the common names. Many will bloom all summer. Some species will have prickles and some will have a sticky feel to the leaves due to glandular hairs. Some may have a mild fetid odor, but others have a pleasant fragrance.
Use the ornamental species of this Genus in the border front or back, depending on the size. They can be planted in masse or interspersed with perennials for the mixed garden to provide season-long color.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Deer resistant.
VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Cleome
- Family:
- Cleomaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- North and south America, Australia, Africa, Europe and Asia
- Wildlife Value:
- Flowers attract bees, humming birds and butterflies
- Dimensions:
- Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Perennial
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
- Appendage:
- Prickles
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Shallow Rocky
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- The capsule is an elongate, cylindrical 2-valved fruit filled with numerous seeds. Once the pods dry, they pop open to release the small round brown seeds
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Raceme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Long Bloom Season
- Long-lasting
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Star
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- Many will bloom all summer with white, pink, rose, yellow or purple petals with long thin stamens in clusters. They may have a fetid or a pleasant odor. Size varies per species.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Prickly
- Leaf Type:
- Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Oblanceolate
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Description:
- Leaves will vary in size and shape depending on the species. Many have compound leaves.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Hairy (pubescent)
- Stem Description:
- Stems are green and may be covered with long glandular hairs or prickles
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Coastal
- Container
- Patio
- Pool/Hardscape
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
- Cutting Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Hummingbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
