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 plantmosquito plant
see moreWest Indian spider flower
Medusa's head
spider plant
spiderwort
Synonyms
Cleome hasslerianaCleome spinosa misapplied
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 Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Cleomaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- 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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