Cleome hassleriana Sparkler 2.0 Rose - Spider flower

The Cleome Sparkler 2.0 Rose is a spider flower with a deep pink colour. It is an improved variety, with a more compact and branched habit that allows for increased flower production. Its bushy habit looks beautiful in flower beds, as well as in romantic pots where its spider-like flowering with prominent stamens expresses its refinement. This fast-growing annual plant loves the sun and tolerates heat. It is easily grown in any fresh and light soil.

The Cleome Sparkler 2.0 Rose comes from a less hardy plant native to subtropical regions of South America called Cleome hassleriana. It is a cousin of the caper plant, both belonging to the Capparaceae family. It is naturalized in other parts of the world, in fallow lands and low-altitude slopes. The Sparkler 2.0 Rose selection quickly forms a bushy clump that reaches a height of 70 cm (28in) and a width of 50-60 cm (20-24in). On fairly rough stems, but without spines, large dark green palmate leaves are divided into 5 to 7 long-petioled leaflets. Its flowering period is particularly long, starting in May and continuing until October. The inflorescences are unique, remarkable for their architecture and lightness. The flowers are long-petioled, grouped in slightly fuzzy terminal spikes, slightly fragrant. Each flower consists of 4 petals that narrow into pedicels at their base, with very long stamens and styles that extend well beyond the corolla, resembling egret feathers. The flowers develop and bloom one after the other, from the bottom to the top of the inflorescence, in a rich pink colour.

The fruits of the cleome are also unique; they are long, slender pods measuring 6 to 12 cm (2 to 5in), suspended from the petioles. Sometimes, flowers and fruits can be observed on the same plant. It is the appearance of these fruits that gave the cleome its name of spider plant or spider flower: the numerous siliques resemble spider legs.

The cleomes are among the most beautiful annual flowers. For a beautiful effect, plant the Cleome Sparkler 2.0 in the middle of a flower bed, alongside pennisetums or Perovskias, for example. Planted in groups, or with other tall summer flowers such as cosmos, Buenos Aires verbena, poppies, or Delphiniums, they add depth and a lot of lightness. In a naturalistic garden, with Miscanthus, Dahlias, and Gauras, they sway with the wind. This compact variety does not require staking and is perfect for creating beautiful flowering pots.

Note: Please be aware that our young plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them under cover (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before planting them outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.