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Annual Biennial

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

Synonyms
Cleome pungens
Tarenaya spinosa
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 Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Cleomaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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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