Cleome (Spider Flower)

Cleome hassleriana 

Approximately 100 seeds per pack.

(Packed for 2025)

Effervescently cheerful and impressively resilient, Cleome attracts beneficial pollinators from near and far for months on end. In fertile soil, cleome can easily grow 5′ beautifully swaying in the wind, though their strong stems have thorns making them unrealistic for cutting. All the more reasons to enjoy them all season! And your honeybees agree.

DAYS TO MATURITY: 70-80 days to flower

PLANT DESCRIPTION: (Cleome hassleriana) Effervescently cheerful and impressively resilient, Cleome attracts beneficial pollinators from near and far for months on end. In fertile soil, cleome can easily grow 5′ tall, beautifully swaying in the wind, though their strong stems have thorns making them unrealistic for cutting. All the more reasons to enjoy them all season! And your honeybees agree.

HISTORY: Cleomes are native to the Caribbean region, and were favorited potted plants during the late 1800s. With the resurgence of cottage gardens, the popularity of cleomes has seen a resurgence. The nickname, “Spider Flower” comes from the obvious appearance of the long stamens and petals.

Planting Cleome (Spider Flower) in your garden offers several benefits, making it a great addition to a variety of garden styles. A beautiful, eye-catching flowers Cleome produces stunning, spidery flowers in shades of pink, white, purple, and lavender. Its unique structure adds a dramatic and architectural element to your garden. Planting Cleome can elevate the aesthetics and ecological value of your garden while requiring minimal effort!

It blooms from early summer until the first frost, ensuring your garden stays vibrant for a long time. Cleome is a favorite of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting pollination for other plants in your garden.

It’s drought-tolerant once established and thrives in a wide range of soils, making it ideal for gardeners who prefer low-effort plants. The plant's slightly spiny stems and strong scent deter deer and rabbits, helping to protect your garden. Growing up to 4–6 feet tall, Cleome adds vertical interest and works well as a backdrop in flower beds or along fences. It’s also a good choice for cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, and mixed borders.

Cleome reseeds readily, which means it can return year after year without replanting, while still being easy to control. Its height and dense foliage can provide shade for smaller plants and help protect them from wind. It offers a light, pleasant fragrance, especially in the evening.

GROWING TIPS: Annual. Cleome loves full sun for optimal flowering. Well-drained soil is best, but it’s adaptable to different conditions. Moderate watering, especially during dry spells. Space plants about 16–20 inches apart for good airflow and to avoid mildew.

Germination: 60-80°F, 14 days. Full sun. Pre-chill moist seeds at 40°F for 2-4 days, direct sow mid-spring.