100 Seeds Lilac Spider Flower (Cleome spinosa) Perennial Attracts Bees

Elegant and airy, the lilac spider flower (Cleome spinosa) brings a unique, tropical flair to gardens with its tall stems topped by clusters of delicate, spidery blooms in soft lavender-purple. This easy-to-grow tender perennial is a favorite for adding height and texture, blooming continuously from early summer until frost, and its enchanting flowers are a magnet for bees and butterflies.

Ideal for cottage gardens, borders, and cutting gardens, lilac spider flower thrives in sunny spots and well-drained soil. It self-sows freely, returning year after year in mild climates, and can be grown as an annual in cooler zones. Its long, sturdy stems make it an excellent cut flower for fresh arrangements, and the plants are remarkably low-maintenance once established. Simply scatter the tiny seeds onto the soil surface, as they need light to germinate, and enjoy these whimsical blooms all season.

Species: Cleome spinosa
Variety: Lilac
Type: Tender perennial (often grown as annual)
Plant Habit: Upright, branching
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Well-draining, average garden soil
Days to Harvest: 70-80 days to flower from seed
Zones: Perennial in USDA zones 8-11; annual elsewhere
Germination: 10-14 days at 70-75°F, light required for germination
Sowing: Surface sow; do not cover seeds
Spacing: 12-18 inches apart
Notes: Attracts bees and butterflies; self-seeds readily