Description and characteristics of cleome varieties, cultivation from seeds and propagation methods

Cleome flowering, the cultivation of which does not cause difficulties even for novice gardeners, is a representative of the Cleome family. Under natural conditions, the plant lives in any area where a temperate and warm climate prevails. Due to the unusual appearance of the inflorescences, the Germans called cleome a spider plant. The flowering period lasts from June to September. Blooming flowers fill the garden with an unusual aroma.

General description of the flower

Cleome reaches a maximum height of 1 m. The inflorescences in the upper part have 4 petals with long stamens. The brush reaches a diameter of 20 cm. During the season, new inflorescences form at the tips. The leaf plates are collected in a fan, each of which includes 7 leaves. By the end of the growing season, the stem of the plant becomes woody, and pods with seeds form on it.

The color range of cleome inflorescences is very diverse and original. Sometimes several colors are combined in one bud. The plant is widely used in landscape design and goes well with other exotic flowers. It is used for cutting and arranging bouquets.

Types and varieties of cleome

Domestic flower growers have the opportunity to grow only two varieties of exotic plants:

• cleome prickly;
• Hassler's cleome.

There are practically no differences between them. New varieties are obtained by crossing these varieties. In turn, they differ from each other only in the color of the inflorescences. The most popular varieties are:

• Hellen Campbell;
• Pink Queen;
• Giant Pink Cusen;
• Sparkler Lavender;
• Cherry Queen;
• Splashes of champagne;
• Colored waterfall.

Nuances of cultivation

Cleome has a long growing season, so gardeners cultivate it using seedlings. If you sow seeds immediately in open ground, flowering occurs later, but growing seedlings takes less effort and time.

Soil and container

To grow cleome, prepare a nutritious soil mixture from fertile garden soil, compost and sand. The proportions are 2:2:1. The container for sowing seeds is chosen to be 15 cm deep. The material from which it is made can be any.

Landing rules

Growing cleome from seeds is not that difficult. You will need to fill suitable containers with a nutrient soil mixture, and scatter a small amount of wood ash on top of it. Pre-soaked seeds are planted to a depth of 1 cm and lightly sprinkled with soil. A thin layer of compost is placed on top, which will not only serve as additional fertilizer, but will also speed up the process of seed germination.

The crops are watered with a spray bottle, covered with glass or cellophane and sent to a warm, well-lit place.

Seedling care

After the first shoots of cleome appear, it is necessary to provide them with proper care. Plants need to be watered abundantly, but rarely. This is done as the top layer of soil dries. Excessive moisture harms young seedlings and promotes the development of fungal diseases. Containers with cleomes are placed on a well-lit windowsill, and in the evening hours additional illumination is provided using phytolamps.

To prevent damage to the root system by pathogenic bacteria, the seedlings are watered once with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

After a pair of true leaves have formed on the young cleomes, the plants are planted in separate cups. The procedure is carried out as carefully as possible, burying the seedlings in the ground to the bottom leaves. To ensure that they grow evenly, they are constantly turned with different sides to the sun.

Transplanting

Cleome is planted in open ground in May, when the threat of return spring frosts has completely passed. The flowerbed is prepared in advance by adding compost. The distance between plants is left 35-40 cm. Before transplanting, they are sprayed with a growth stimulator.

Further care for cleome

Caring for cleome involves standard procedures for gardeners, but they have certain features that should be familiarized with in advance.

Watering rules

Cleomes are moisture-loving plants, but do not tolerate stagnant water in the area. Watering is carried out only in hot and dry weather. The flower tolerates short-term drought normally, but excess moisture leads not only to a deterioration in decorative qualities, but also to the development of fungal diseases and the death of the entire plant.

Feeding and fertilizer

Feeding should be done as needed. In the first stages of development, flower growers use complex preparations containing nitrogen as fertilizers. As soon as the buds begin to form, the cleome is fed with potassium-phosphorus preparations. They are applied once every 14 days. If the flower is weakened, it is recommended to use mineral supplements, reducing the recommended rate by 2 times. Their solution is sprayed onto cleome leaves in the morning or evening hours to prevent burns.

Wintering

In the climate of the middle zone, cleome is grown as an annual. After the buds wither, the seeds should be collected, and the plant itself should be removed from the ground by the roots and disposed of. After this, it is recommended to dig up the bed to destroy pests and weeds.

In the southern regions, cleome can be grown as a biennial plant. To do this, in the fall, the wilted buds are cut off and a shelter made of special material is provided. If you don’t have one at hand, then use spruce branches, fallen leaves, and hay. Under no circumstances should you cover the flower with cellophane.

Methods of protection for diseases and pests

Cleome exudes a specific, not very pleasant odor, so insect pests avoid it. For this reason, it is advisable to plant the flower near fences or as a hedge. The plant has high immunity to diseases. The only thing that cleome often suffers from is rotting of the underground part.

Such a nuisance occurs due to the close occurrence of groundwater or excessive watering.

If cleomes appear on the site with signs of disease or root rot, they should be disposed of immediately. Adult specimens cannot be replanted. Healthy plants are treated with a fungicide, the watering regime is reviewed and the reasons that could lead to negative consequences for the cleome are analyzed.

Flower propagation

Cleome reproduces exclusively by seeds. You can assemble them yourself or purchase them at a specialized store. Sowing is done in autumn or spring. The seedling method of cultivation is preferable, but it is permissible to sow the seeds directly into the flowerbed.

The use of decorative culture in landscape design

Its spectacular appearance makes cleome increasingly popular not only among ordinary flower growers, but also among landscape designers. It goes well with other plants. You can grow an exotic flower either next to perennials or annuals. Tall stems with beautiful spherical inflorescences can easily hide an unkempt area or an unsightly fence.

If the housewife is just putting the area in order, then a screen made of glue will help hide the mess from prying eyes and give the area a well-groomed appearance. When decorating flower beds, this plant is planted in the background, and low-growing flowers are placed in the foreground.Bright inflorescences look beautiful against the background of buds with cool shades.