cleome, spider flower

Newer Cleome varieties are amazing in the garden! They have a more compact, denser growth habit, produce sterile (no seeds) violet-purple to light pink flowers that bloom from late spring to frost with no deadheading required over non-sticky, thornless bronze to green foliage. Excellent “thrillers” in a sunny butterfly garden or mixed container. Classic seed varieties may have better deer resistance.

Grow in sunny areas, well-drained, amended soil. Feed with a slow release fertilizer, Osmocote® or Plant-tone®. Follow label instructions. No deadheading necessary. Mulch 2″ to suppress weeds, retain moisture and protect against extremes of soil temperature.