Spiny Spiderflower: A Quirky Annual with Spider-Like Blooms
If you’re looking for a flower that’s guaranteed to spark conversation in your garden, meet the spiny spiderflower (Cleome spinosa). This distinctive annual gets its name from its unusual flowers that look like tiny spiders perched on stems – but don’t worry, they’re much more charming than they sound!
What Is Spiny Spiderflower?
Spiny spiderflower is an annual forb that belongs to the cleome family. As an annual, it completes its entire life cycle in one growing season, making it a temporary but impactful addition to gardens. The plant produces clusters of pink to purple flowers with long, prominent stamens that extend well beyond the petals, creating that characteristic spider-like appearance that gives the plant its common name.
Where Does It Come From?
Here’s where things get interesting from a native gardening perspective. Spiny spiderflower is native to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where it plays a natural role in the local ecosystem. However, in the continental United States and Hawaii, it’s considered a non-native species that has been introduced and now reproduces on its own in the wild.
Currently, you can find spiny spiderflower growing in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, where it has established itself in various habitats.
Should You Grow Spiny Spiderflower?
The answer depends on your location and gardening goals. If you’re in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, this plant is part of your natural heritage and can be a great choice for supporting local ecosystems. For gardeners in other areas, there are some considerations:
The Case for Growing It:
- Unique, eye-catching flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies
- Low-maintenance annual that thrives in poor soils
- Excellent drought tolerance once established
- Blooms throughout the growing season
- Self-seeds readily, potentially providing plants for next year
Things to Consider:
- It’s non-native to most of the U.S., so it won’t support native wildlife as effectively as indigenous plants
- Can self-seed aggressively in favorable conditions
- Limited to warm climates (USDA zones 9-11) for best performance
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re committed to native gardening, consider these alternatives that provide similar benefits:
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) for pollinator appeal
- Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) for long-blooming color
- Native milkweeds (Asclepias species) for unique flower forms and wildlife support
Growing Spiny Spiderflower Successfully
If you decide to grow spiny spiderflower, you’ll find it remarkably easy-going. This plant actually prefers life on the tough side!
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours daily)
- Soil: Well-draining soil; tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky conditions
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established; avoid overwatering
- Climate: Thrives in warm temperatures; best in USDA zones 9-11
Planting and Care Tips:
- Direct seed in spring after the last frost date
- Barely cover seeds with soil – they need some light to germinate
- Space plants about 12-18 inches apart
- Water regularly until established, then reduce watering
- No fertilization needed – rich soil can actually reduce flowering
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms, or leave them if you want self-seeding
Where Spiny Spiderflower Fits in Your Landscape
This adaptable plant works well in several garden settings:
- Naturalized areas where you want low-maintenance color
- Cottage gardens for a casual, informal look
- Pollinator gardens (though native alternatives are preferable)
- Areas with poor soil where other plants struggle
- Annual beds where you want something different
Spiny spiderflower has a facultative wetland status, meaning it can handle both wet and dry conditions, though it generally prefers well-drained sites.
The Bottom Line
Spiny spiderflower is an interesting plant with unique flowers and easy-care requirements. While it’s not native to most of the United States, it’s not currently listed as invasive either. If you’re drawn to its quirky appearance and easy-going nature, it can be a fun addition to warm-climate gardens – just be mindful of its self-seeding tendencies and consider native alternatives that might better support your local ecosystem.
Whether you choose to grow spiny spiderflower or opt for native alternatives, the most important thing is creating a garden that brings you joy while being mindful of your local environment. Happy gardening!
