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Annual Biennial

Cleome houtteana

spider flower

A tall, upright annual to 1.5m with large, palmate, dark green leaves (which are aromatic and sticky) on spiny stems. Strongly scented, white, pink or purple flowers are produced in broad, terminal spikes in summer

Other common names
electric light plant
mosquito plant
see moreWest Indian spider flower
Medusa's head
spider plant
spiderwort
Synonyms
Cleome hassleriana
Cleome spinosa misapplied
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Pink Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Cleomaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, 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

Plant range
S America

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
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Architectural
  • Sub-tropical
  • Bedding
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering and prevent self-seeding

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids on young growth

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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