Spiderflower: The Quirky Annual That Dances in Your Garden
If you’ve ever wanted a plant that looks like it’s putting on a little show every evening, meet the spiderflower (Cleome). This charming annual gets its common name from its distinctive flowers that sport long, wispy stamens resembling spider legs – but don’t worry, they’re much prettier than that description suggests!
What Makes Spiderflower Special?
Spiderflower is a forb herb that grows as an annual in most climates. Its delicate, spider-like blooms create an airy, almost ethereal appearance in the garden. The flowers typically come in shades of pink, white, or purple, and they’re arranged in tall spikes that can add wonderful vertical interest to your plantings.
One of the most delightful features of spiderflower is its evening blooming habit. Many varieties open their flowers in the late afternoon or evening, making them perfect for gardeners who enjoy their outdoor spaces after work. This timing also makes them magnets for evening pollinators like moths, though they’ll attract daytime visitors like butterflies and bees too.
Where Does Spiderflower Come From?
Originally native to South America and parts of Africa, spiderflower has become a naturalized resident across much of North America. It now grows throughout the United States and Canada, from Alabama to Alberta, and from California to Maine. This wide distribution shows just how adaptable this plant can be.
As a non-native species that has established itself in the wild, spiderflower represents one of those garden plants that has found a comfortable home far from its original range. While it reproduces on its own in many areas, it’s generally well-behaved and doesn’t pose the aggressive spreading problems of truly invasive species.
Growing Spiderflower Successfully
One of the best things about spiderflower is how easy it is to grow. This adaptable annual thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-11, though it’s typically grown as an annual regardless of zone.
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Sunlight: Full sun for best flowering
- Soil: Well-draining soil of average fertility
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, but appreciates regular watering during dry spells
- Space: Can reach 3-5 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide, so give them room to stretch
Planting and Care Tips
- Direct sow seeds in spring after the last frost date
- Seeds need light to germinate, so barely cover them with soil
- Thin seedlings to about 12-18 inches apart
- Minimal fertilization needed – too much can reduce flowering
- Deadheading spent flowers can extend blooming, though many gardeners let them go to seed
- Self-seeds readily, so expect volunteers next year
Perfect Garden Roles
Spiderflower excels as a background plant in mixed borders, where its height provides a lovely backdrop for shorter perennials and annuals. It’s also fantastic in cottage-style gardens, where its somewhat wild, informal appearance fits right in. Many gardeners love it in cutting gardens too – those tall stems make excellent additions to bouquets, though the flowers don’t last super long once cut.
The plant’s ability to self-seed makes it ideal for naturalized areas or informal landscapes where you want that happy accident look of plants popping up here and there.
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
While spiderflower provides some wildlife benefits, they’re relatively modest. According to wildlife food habit studies, it contributes about 5-10% of small mammals’ diets and 2-5% of terrestrial birds’ diets, though both groups use it infrequently for cover.
Where spiderflower really shines is with pollinators. Its evening-blooming nature makes it especially valuable for moths and other nighttime pollinators, while daytime visitors like butterflies, bees, and even hummingbirds appreciate the nectar-rich flowers.
Should You Plant Spiderflower?
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance annual that adds height, interesting texture, and evening interest to your garden, spiderflower could be a great choice. It’s particularly suitable if you:
- Want a cottage garden or informal landscape style
- Enjoy plants that attract evening pollinators
- Like flowers that self-seed for next year
- Need a tall annual for the back of borders
- Appreciate unique, architectural flower forms
Native Alternatives to Consider
While spiderflower can be a delightful addition to gardens, those interested in supporting native ecosystems might consider these alternatives that offer similar benefits:
- Wild bergamot (Monarda): Native perennial that attracts similar pollinators
- Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium): Tall native perennial excellent for butterflies
- Wild columbine (Aquilegia): Delicate native flowers that hummingbirds love
- Purple coneflower (Echinacea): Native perennial with excellent wildlife benefits
The Bottom Line
Spiderflower offers gardeners an easy-care annual with unique beauty and modest wildlife benefits. While it’s not native to North America, it’s generally well-behaved and can add wonderful vertical interest and evening appeal to gardens. Whether you choose to grow it or opt for native alternatives, the key is creating a garden that brings you joy while supporting the local ecosystem as much as possible.
