Spider Flower (Cleome hassleriana) Fast Facts: Height, Bloom, and Growing Zones

Overview

Spider flower (Cleome hassleriana) is an old‑fashioned annual with unusual white, pink, rose, or lavender blooms. Long stamens and clawed petals create a spider‑like appearance.

Description

Large, sturdy plants 3–6 ft tall, 1½–3 ft wide. Fragrant flowers 1–2 in. across, stamens 2–3 in. Palmate leaves with 5–7 leaflets.

Features

Native to South America. Fast growth, stout taproot (no staking needed). Blooms bottom‑to‑top, followed by slender seed pods.

Varieties

Queen series: to 5 ft, pink/rose. Sparkler series: 3 ft, white/rose/pink.

Growing Conditions

Full sun, any soil. Heat‑ and drought‑tolerant once established. Zones 4–7: tender annual. Zones 8–11: annual but reseeds readily.

Pests & Diseases

Generally trouble‑free. Possible fungal spots/mildews. Aphids, spider mites, whiteflies may appear.