Senorita Rosalita® Cleome Plant

Senorita Rosalita® Cleome produces beautiful, light purple blooms on long slender stamens that resembles a spider's leg. Spider flower plants grow best in full sun locations. These long blooming beauties are heat and drought tolerant and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Senorita Rosalita® will not self-seed.

Planting Instructions:

• - Space plants 18-24 inches apart

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.0-7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• - Well-draining, moderately fertile soil

Watering Specifics:

• - Water regularly during the establishment period
• - Once established, Cleome is relatively drought-tolerant
• - Water deeply when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry

Fertilizer Type:

• - Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring
• - Alternatively, apply a water-soluble fertilizer monthly during the growing season
• - Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to leggy growth

Pruning and Training:

• - Pinch back young plants to encourage bushiness
• - Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering
• - Remove lower leaves if they become unsightly

Additional Pest Management:

• - Watch for common pests like aphids and spider mites
• - Monitor for diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot
• - Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues

Blooming Indicators:

• - Produces tall spikes of spider-like flowers
• - Blooms from early summer until frost
• - Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

Light Requirements:

• - Prefers full sun for best flowering
• - Can tolerate partial shade, but may become leggy

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Can tolerate heat and humidity well
• - May slow growth in very hot conditions

Companion Plants for Cleome:

• - Zinnias: Offer colorful blooms that complement Cleome's height and structure
• - Cosmos: Provides airy foliage and flowers that pair well with Cleome's spider-like blooms
• - Marigolds: Add lower-growing, bright flowers to contrast with Cleome's height
• - Salvia: Offers vertical interest and attracts pollinators like Cleome
• - Coreopsis: Provides daisy-like flowers that contrast nicely with Cleome's unique blooms