Introducing...
Cleome
Botanical name: Cleome
Common name: cleome, spider flower
Cleome is a large genus from tropical and subtropical areas of the world. It’s made up of annuals, perennials and evergreen shrubs, but only the annuals are commonly grown in gardens. Known for their spidery blooms and upright habit, they are equally at home in exotic or cottage-style borders.
Looks
Cleomes can reach 1-1.5m, with pretty, palmate leaves and spiny stems. These are topped with large, airy flowerheads in shades of pink, white, purple or rose from mid-summer to autumn. The flowers’ spider-like appearance is created by their numerous, long, slender stamens.
Likes
Cleomes thrive in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. They like warm weather and tolerate drought once established. Regular deadheading will prolong flowering.
Dislikes
They will not survive frost and dislike cold, damp soils and shady conditions. Young plants are sensitive to transplant shock, so they’re best sown directly where you want them, or moved carefully when very small.
Did you know?
Cleome is in the same family as edible capers, is closely related to brassicas, and some species are grown as leafy vegetables in Africa.
Growing guide
How to grow annuals
All the information you’ll need to grow Cleome in your garden.
Cleomes we recommend
Cleome Señorita Rosalita ('Inncleosr'PBR)
spider flower [Señorita Rosalita]
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Cleome houtteana 'Helen Campbell'
spider flower 'Helen Campbell'
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Cleome houtteana 'Violet Queen'
spider flower 'Violet Queen'
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Cleome Señorita Rosalita ('Inncleosr'PBR)
spider flower [Señorita Rosalita]
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Cleome houtteana 'Helen Campbell'
spider flower 'Helen Campbell'
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Cleome houtteana 'Violet Queen'
spider flower 'Violet Queen'
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Useful advice
How to sow seeds indoors
Summer flowers identification guide
Seed: collecting and storing
Shades of pink
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.