Overview of Cleome speciosa Raf.
Cleome speciosa Raf. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Cleomaceae. It is commonly known as Showy spider-flower, Rocky Mountain bee plant, or Rose Queen.
Origin and Distribution
Cleome speciosa Raf. is native to North America and can be found in the western United States, including California, Idaho, Colorado, Montana, and Oregon. It also grows in some parts of Canada, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia.
Appearance
Cleome speciosa Raf. is an annual plant that grows up to 1.5 m tall. It has deeply divided leaves and produces showy pink or purple flowers that bloom from June to September. The flowers have long stamens that give them a spider-like appearance, hence the common name "Showy spider-flower". The plant produces long, narrow seed pods that split open when ripe to release small black seeds.
Uses
Cleome speciosa Raf. has several uses. Its flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a popular choice among gardeners who want to attract pollinators to their gardens. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including rheumatism, fever, and swelling. Additionally, the seeds of Cleome speciosa Raf. can be ground into a flour and used to make bread.
Light Requirements
Cleome speciosa Raf. is a sun-loving plant that thrives in full sunlight. It can tolerate partial shade, but a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight every day is necessary for optimal growth and blooming.
Temperature Requirements
When it comes to temperature, Cleome speciosa Raf. is a relatively hardy plant that can withstand a range of temperatures. However, it prefers warm temperatures and will not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. The ideal temperature range for Cleome speciosa Raf. is between 18-27°C (65-80°F).
Soil Requirements
Cleome speciosa Raf. prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. It can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy or clayey soil, as long as it is well-draining. The soil should also be rich in organic matter, which can be achieved by adding compost, aged manure, or other organic fertilizers.
It's essential to avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. It's also a good idea to add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Cultivation Methods
Cleome speciosa Raf., also known as the Rocky Mountain beeplant, grows best in well-draining soil under full sun. They should be planted in the spring after the last frost, and any withered or dead branches should be removed before planting.
Watering Needs
Cleome speciosa Raf. requires frequent watering during its growing period. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged, as this may cause root rot. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent evaporation.
Fertilization
Fertilization of Cleome speciosa Raf. should be done in the spring using a balanced fertilizer. Overfertilization should be avoided as it may lead to excessive foliage growth and lower flower production. Fertilization should be repeated once every three to four weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning of Cleome speciosa Raf. should be done in the early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches and to encourage new growth. Additionally, pruning the plant in the early summer will promote bushier growth and result in more flowers. Deadheading of spent flowers should be done regularly to encourage continued blooming.
Propagation of Cleome speciosa Raf.
Cleome speciosa Raf. is commonly known as the Showy spider flower that belongs to the family Capparaceae. Propagation is the process of multiplying or reproducing plants to increase their numbers for cultivation and reproduction. Here are the most commonly used propagation methods for Cleome speciosa Raf.:
Seed propagation
Cleome speciosa Raf. plants can be propagated through seeds, which can be collected from mature plants at the end of the blooming season. The seed pods of Cleome speciosa Raf. are long and narrow and contain numerous seeds. Collect the seed pods when they are dry and brown, then remove the seeds from the pods and store them in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant them.
To sow Cleome speciosa Raf. seeds, fill up a seed tray or small pots with moistened seed starting mix. Place the seeds on the surface and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist by misting it with water, and place the tray or pots in a warm, sunny location. The seeds will germinate in 10 to 20 days. Once the seedlings have grown to a size that can be handled, transplant them into larger pots or trays.
Cutting propagation
Propagation of Cleome speciosa Raf. through cuttings is another practical method. Cuttings taken from the plants are rooted in a suitable medium to produce new plants that will be identical to the parent plant. Take several cuttings from healthy stems early in the growing season of the plant.
Prepare the growing medium by mixing equal amounts of perlite and peat moss. Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone, and gently insert it in the moistened medium. Cover the container with plastic wrap or a clear plastic bag. Place it in a warm location with bright, indirect light. After 2-3 weeks, the cuttings will have rooted, and you can transplant it into individual pots or directly into the garden bed.
Disease Management for Cleome speciosa Raf.
Cleome speciosa Raf. is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but like all plants, it is susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases that can affect Cleome speciosa Raf. and how to manage them:
Gray Mold
Gray mold is a fungal disease that can affect Cleome speciosa Raf. during periods of high humidity or excessive moisture. The leaves and stems of the plant may develop brown circular spots, and the stems may become mushy and ooze a grayish substance.
To manage gray mold, prune affected areas of the plant and remove any debris from around the base of the plant. Avoid overhead watering and make sure the plant has adequate spacing for proper air circulation. Fungicidal sprays may also be effective in preventing and managing gray mold.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that can affect the foliage of Cleome speciosa Raf. The fungi responsible for this disease cause small, brown or black spots to appear on the leaves, which can merge and form larger blotches over time. The affected leaves may eventually fall off the plant.
To manage leaf spot, make sure to space plants appropriately to allow for good air circulation. Remove any diseased leaves as soon as possible, and avoid overhead watering. Fungicidal sprays may also be effective in preventing and managing leaf spot.
Root Rot
Root rot is a potentially fatal disease that affects the roots of Cleome speciosa Raf. plants. It is caused by soil-borne pathogens that thrive in wet or waterlogged soil conditions. Plants affected by root rot will develop yellow or wilted leaves, stunted growth, and may eventually die.
To manage root rot, make sure to plant in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering the plant. If symptoms of root rot are present, the plant should be removed and discarded to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management for Cleome speciosa Raf.
Here are some common pests that can affect Cleome speciosa Raf. and how to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of Cleome speciosa Raf. leaves and stems. Infested plants may develop distorted growth, yellowed leaves, and a sticky residue on the foliage.
To manage aphids, knock them off of the plant with a strong jet of water, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings may also be effective in controlling aphid populations.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are small, spider-like pests that can cause leaves to become stippled and eventually turn yellow or brown. They often thrive in hot, dry conditions.
To manage spider mites, increase the humidity around the plant by misting it with water. Insecticidal soap or neem oil may also be effective in controlling spider mites.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies, and they can cause significant damage to the leaves of Cleome speciosa Raf. plants. Plants affected by caterpillars will have chewed or missing leaves.
To manage caterpillars, pick them off by hand if possible. You may also use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural bacterial pesticide that is effective against caterpillars.
