Spider flower,
Cleome hassleriana is a common annual flower from South America (Paraguay, Uruguay,
Argentina and southern Brazil) that also goes by other common names including
spider legs and grandfather’s whiskers. The common name of spider flower comes
from the appearance of the long, thread-like stamens of the individual flowers
and the elongate seedpods that develop below the blooming flowers. It has been
a garden favorite since the 1800’s.
This tender
annual grows quickly from seed to form tall, strong stems up to 6 feet tall
from a stout taproot. Plants branch readily, and given enough space, can grow
as wide as they are tall. The alternate leaves are palmately compound with 5-7
leaflets tapered at the base (although the leaves on the upper parts of the
stems are smaller and simple).
Plants bloom
from early summer until frost in a dense, 6-8 inch wide, ever-lengthening
terminal inflorescence (a raceme). Each 1–1½” wide individual flower on a
2-inch pedicel has 4 reflexed light green sepals, 4 clawed petals and 6 erect
to spreading stamens that grow to 3-inches long with yellow-orange anthers. The
petals may be white, pink, rose or purple. The flowers may be visited by
hummingbirds, hummingbird moths, many types of bees and butterflies. Bats are
thought to be the main pollinator in its native tropical habitat.
Spider flower
grows best in full sun in moist, well-drained soil. Although it tolerates dry
conditions, watering will promote better growth and flowering, but overwatering
and overfertilizing causes leggy growth. Staking is usually not necessary,
except in windy locations. Pinching them back when young will promote a
shorter, bushier plant, otherwise they tend to be upright and columnar. Because
the plants are somewhat spiny and sticky, you may want to wear gloves when
handling the plants. Cleome has few insects or disease problems and is
generally not favored by deer or rabbits.
Growing
Instructions for the Spider Flower
The seeds have
a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for
spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions
and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Place the seeds in a
plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a refrigerator for 3 months. 2. Fill
a pot with potting soil. 3. Sow the seeds on the soil and cover them with a
thin layer of soil. 4. Water the container. 5. Put the pot in a warm, sunny
area. 6. Water the pot regularly so that the soil is moist but not wet. The
seeds germinate in 1-2 weeks. 7. The seedlings can be transplanted when they
are a few inches tall.
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