Growing Cleome: A Beginner’s Guide
Introduction
Cleome, also known as spider flower, is a beautiful and easy-to-grow annual flower that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. With its tall, leggy appearance and intricate, showy flowers, cleome is a favorite among gardeners of all levels.
Planting Cleome
Growing cleome from seed is the most common and successful method. Cleome seeds can be sown directly in the garden in the spring after the last frost. They prefer well-draining soil and can tolerate full sun to part shade.
Caring for Cleome Plants
Cleome plants are relatively low-maintenance and require minimal care. They are drought tolerant and can withstand hot, dry conditions. However, they will benefit from regular watering, especially during extended periods of drought.
Deadheading spent flowers will encourage longer bloom time. Cleome plants can also be fertilized monthly with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Varieties of Cleome
There are many different varieties of cleome, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular varieties include:
- Cleome hassleriana: This variety produces large, showy flowers in shades of pink, lilac, and white. It is a tall plant, reaching heights of up to 6 feet.
- Cleome spinosa: This variety is known for its fragrant flowers, which bloom in shades of pink, purple, and white. It is a shorter plant, reaching heights of up to 3 feet.
- Cleome lutea: This variety produces yellow flowers and is a good choice for attracting butterflies to the garden. It is a shorter plant, reaching heights of up to 2 feet.
Benefits of Growing Cleome
In addition to its beauty, cleome offers several benefits to the garden:
- Attracts beneficial insects: Cleome flowers are a magnet for butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. These insects help to pollinate other plants in the garden and control pests.
- Deters pests: The strong scent of cleome flowers can help to deter certain pests, such as aphids and whiteflies.
- Improves soil health: Cleome plants have deep roots that help to aerate the soil and improve drainage.
Conclusion
Growing cleome is a simple and rewarding gardening experience. With its easy-going nature and beautiful flowers, cleome is a great choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike.
