Cleome is a genus in the caper family (Cleomaceae) with 120 or more species native to temperate and tropical areas of many parts of the world. They vary in size and shape and can be annuals, perennials or shrubs.The Genus name comes from the New Latin meaning a plant with showy flowers. The ornamental plants used in the garden can be 2 to 6 feet in height and generally prefer full sun in moist, well-drained amended garden soil. Pinch back in early summer to promote a bushier plant if desired. The flowers vary in size and color depending on the species, but most have long thin stamens, giving them the common names. Many will bloom all summer. Some species will have prickles and some will have a sticky feel to the leaves due to glandular hairs. Some may have a mild fetid odor, but others have a pleasant fragrance. Use the ornamental species of this Genus in the border front or back, depending on the size. They can be planted in masse or interspersed with perennials for the mixed garden to provide season-long color. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Deer resistant. VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Soil texture
Clay; Loam (Silt); Shallow Rocky
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist | Occasionally Dry
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
Mature size
Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in. | Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Rapid
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Oblanceolate; Ovate
Leaf margin
Entire; Serrate
Leaf feel
Prickly
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
Leaves will vary in size and shape depending on the species. Many have compound leaves.
Flower color
Gold/Yellow; Pink; Purple/Lavender; White
Flower value
Fragrant; Long Bloom Season; Long-lasting; Showy
Flower form
Raceme
Flower shape
Star
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
Many will bloom all summer with white, pink, rose, yellow or purple petals with long thin stamens in clusters. They may have a fetid or a pleasant odor. Size varies per species.
Bloom time
Fall; Summer
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
The capsule is an elongate, cylindrical 2-valved fruit filled with numerous seeds. Once the pods dry, they pop open to release the small round brown seeds
Stem color
Green
Stem detail
Stems are green and may be covered with long glandular hairs or prickles
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
North and south America, Australia, Africa, Europe and Asia
Wildlife value
Flowers attract bees, humming birds and butterflies