The Cleopatra Plant, also known as Spider Flower, offers a visually striking and unique presence in gardens. Its distinctive appearance and vibrant blooms provide consistent color throughout warmer months.
What is the Cleopatra Plant?
The plant commonly referred to as the Cleopatra Plant is botanically known as Cleome hassleriana. It is an annual flower originating from South America, specifically Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and southern Brazil. This plant earns its common name, “Spider Flower,” from the appearance of its distinctive blooms. The long, thread-like stamens of the individual flowers, coupled with the elongated seedpods that develop below, create a spidery or whiskery look.
Cleome hassleriana typically grows tall, with strong stems reaching heights of 3 to 6 feet, and can spread up to 18 inches wide. Its leaves are palmately compound, featuring five to seven leaflets, though upper leaves may be smaller and simple. The flowers are usually 1 to 1.5 inches wide, appearing in shades of white, pink, rose, or purple. Some varieties possess small spines at the base of each leaf petiole and may have slightly sticky, aromatic foliage.
Growing Conditions and Planting
Cleopatra Plants thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for robust growth and abundant blooms. While they can tolerate light shade, particularly in hotter climates, more sun generally leads to healthier plants and increased flowering. These plants prefer well-drained soil, which can range from average fertility to organically rich conditions. Good drainage is important to prevent waterlogging, though the plant adapts to various soil types.
Planting Cleome hassleriana can be done by direct sowing seeds outdoors after the last frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Seeds should be pressed into the soil surface without covering them deeply, as they require light to germinate. For an earlier start, seeds can be sown indoors six to eight weeks before the average last frost date. Seedlings typically emerge in about one to two weeks. When planting or thinning, space plants at least one to three feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and bushy growth.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Once established, Cleopatra Plants demonstrate notable drought tolerance. Consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, promotes better growth and more prolific flowering. While they are not heavy feeders, minimal fertilization is sufficient; adding compost to the growing bed annually can provide adequate nutrients. Over-fertilizing with high-nitrogen fertilizers can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of blooms.
Deadheading, the removal of spent flowers, encourages the plant to produce continuous blooms from early summer until the first frost. This practice can also prevent excessive self-seeding, as Cleopatra Plants readily self-sow. Cleome hassleriana is generally low-maintenance and resistant to most pests and diseases. Occasionally, young plants might be susceptible to slugs, snails, flea beetles, or cabbage worms. Providing adequate spacing helps prevent issues like powdery mildew.
Using Cleopatra Plants in Your Garden
The Cleopatra Plant offers significant ornamental value, adding delicate airiness and vertical interest to garden landscapes. Its tall, upright form makes it an excellent choice for the middle or back of a border, creating a striking backdrop for other plants. These plants integrate well into mixed borders, cottage gardens, or as a temporary summer hedge. They can also be grown in large containers, though their height might make them less suitable for smaller pots.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Cleopatra Plants attract various beneficial pollinators. Their flowers are frequently visited by hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, contributing to garden biodiversity. Its extended blooming period ensures a vibrant display from mid-summer until late fall. The foliage also tends to deter deer and rabbits, making it a practical choice for gardens prone to these visitors.