Cleome spinosa Jacq.
An erect, branched annual with hairy, spiny stems up to 1.5m tall. Lower leaves are long-stalked with 5-7 lance-shaped leaflets up to 9cm long and spiny beneath. Narrow-petalled white to pink flowers with protruding stamens are arranged in terminal racemes and borne mid- to late summer
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Cleomaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Cleome are annuals with erect stems bearing palmately divided leaves, and terminal racemes of 4-petalled flowers with conspicuous stamens
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Best grown in well-drained soil in a warm, sunny spot
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Sub-tropical
- Bedding
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong flowering and prevent self-seeding
Pests
Young plants may be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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