Cleome

Cleome spinosa
An erect annual plant, reaching a maximum size of 6.5 x 5 ( typically 4 x 2 ) feet, that is part of the larger Caper family.
The palmate leaves, up to 8 inches wide, are composed of 5 or 7 finely-toothed, elliptical leaflets, up to 5 inches in length.
The foliage is luxuriant deep green.
The long-stamen flowers, up to 1 inch wide, are borne mid-summer to autumn frost, range from white to pink or purple.
The flowers are followed by narrow seedpods up to 2 inches in length.
Thrives in full sun to partial shade on just about any moist, fertile, well drained soil. Cleomes should be planted during spring after the threat of frost has passed. Aphids, rust and powdery mildew may occur.

* photos taken on July 31 2011 in Hyde Park, NY



* photos taken on Aug 1 2011 in Luzerne Co., PA



* photo taken on Aug 20 2011 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photo taken on July 17 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on July 10 2014 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Aug 23 2014 @ U.S. Botanical Garden, Wash., DC

* photo taken on Oct 21 2014 @ Smithsonian Inst., Washington, DC

* photos taken on July 25 2015 @ Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

* photo taken on July 21 2019 @ London Town Gardens, Edgewater, MD

* photos taken on Aug 24 2020 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on June 30 2021 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC

* photos taken on Aug 20 2022 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on June 27 2023 in Columbia, MD

Cleome hassleriana 'Sparkler Blush'
Vigorous, reaching up to 3.5 x 2.5 feet, with abundant bright pink and white flowers.

Cleome hassleriana 'Sparkler Rose'
Vigorous, reaching up to 3.5 x 2.5 feet, with abundant deep rose-pink flowers.