Cleome is a genus of 150 species of bushy annuals and evergreen shrubs from tropical and subtropical zones worldwide.

Cleome hassleriana is well known species of this family. Cleome spinosa and Cleome houtteana are synonyms for this species. Spider Flower is belonging to Capparidaceae family. Cleome comes from the Greek “kleos”: glory, referring to the flowers stunning display. The specific epithet name “hassleriana” is in honor of Emile Hassler.

Cleome hassleriana is an annual, native to Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay and southern Brazil. These colourful, sun-loving annuals have fragrant foliage and colourful, highly scented flowers in mixed shades of pinks, purples, and white. Each flower has long stamens giving it a spider-like appearance. The tall, robust plants grow 100-150 cm high and 100 cm wide. The large flowers blooming on top of the stems of these plants have an appropriate name as they appear “spider-like”. Spider Flower bloom from June to frost. Long lasting flowers are followed by thin seed pods that ripen to brown before splitting open and dispersing the seed within. Aromatic, sticky, palmate, minute teethed, green leaves with 5-7 ovate to lanceolate leaflets have sharp spines at the base of each leaf stalk.

Cleome hassleriana easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade. Best with consistent watering during the growing season, but once established, plants will tolerate some drought. Seeds should be sown after the danger of frost or grown in containers.

There are many Cleome hybrids nowadays. Some is said perennials which is in many ways better the annual type. Cleome hassleriana “Kelly Rose” is a very popular one with pink flowers. Sparkler White is dwarf form with white flowers. Cleome ‘Senorita Rosalita’ is a newer cultivar that has large purple flowers on top of a 100 cm tall by 70 cm wide plant, is sterile, and is propagated by vegetative cuttings.

Use in Landscape: Spider Flower colors are pink, white, and purple and bloom continually all summer.  It can be used as a temporary shrub; good for hot climates; generally withstands wind without staking. This plant is excellent in a cottage garden and makes great cut flowers.  They also make a bold statement in the perennial beds, borders or in large containers.  Effective along fences, in background  plantings and mixed with shrubs. They provide a superb background mass of colour and exotic form over an extended period in borders with other tropical-style plants such as Salvia, Dahlia and Canna.