Cleome - Spider Flower

(Cleo'me)

DESCRIPTION: These are annual herbaceous or semi-shrubby plants that are mostly from tropical and North America. They'll grow 2 to 6 feet high. Their leaves consist of 5 to 7 leaflets, up to 5 inches across and they grow on stiff, spiny stems. The racemes of flowers grow 5 to 6 inches across, are spidery looking and may be pink, rose or cherry rose. These are great plants for flower beds, borders, backgrounds or large pots.

POTTING: They need to have sun, half the day or more and well drained soil that is moist to on the dry side.

PROPAGATION: Pre-chill seeds one week in fridge and sow in a greenhouse that has a 70-degree temperature, in light sandy loam, 8 to 10 weeks before they are to be planted outdoors. When they sprout, they're transplanted individually to 3-inch pots filled with equal parts of loam and leaf mold, with a bit of decayed manure added. Gradually harden them off and plant them outdoors in a sunny position. Seeds may also be sown directly where they are to grow when the soil warms up. Many times these plants will re-seed themselves.

VARIETIES: C. serrulata; C. spinosa; C. lutea.

Cleome

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