Spiderwisp: A Quick-Growing Annual with Mixed Garden Potential
Looking for a fast-growing annual that can fill empty spaces in your garden? You might have stumbled across spiderwisp (Cleome gynandra), a lesser-known cousin of the more popular spider flower. This scrappy little plant has been quietly making itself at home across the United States, though it’s not originally from around here. Let’s dig into what makes this plant tick and whether it deserves a spot in your garden.
What Exactly Is Spiderwisp?
Spiderwisp is an annual forb – essentially a soft-stemmed plant without any woody parts that completes its entire life cycle in one growing season. You might also see it listed under its old names, Cleome pentaphylla or Gynandropsis gynandra, which can make plant shopping a bit confusing. Unlike its showier relative, the common spider flower, spiderwisp tends to be more modest in both size and flower display.
This plant originally hails from tropical regions of Africa and Asia but has established itself as a naturalized resident across many U.S. states including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas, plus several territories.
The Good, The Bad, and The Practical
Here’s the thing about spiderwisp – it’s neither garden gold nor a garden menace. As a non-native plant that’s naturalized but not considered invasive, it sits in that gray area where gardeners need to make their own judgment calls.
The positives:
- Extremely easy to grow and tolerates poor conditions
- Attracts bees and butterflies with its small, clustered flowers
- Provides quick coverage for bare spots
- Drought-tolerant once established
- Self-seeds readily for continuous coverage
The considerations:
- Can be quite weedy in appearance
- May self-seed more enthusiastically than you’d like
- Flowers are small and not particularly showy
- Takes up space that could support native plants
Growing Spiderwisp Successfully
If you decide to give spiderwisp a try, you’ll find it refreshingly undemanding. This plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-11 when grown as an annual, though it may behave more like a short-lived perennial in the warmest zones through self-seeding.
Growing conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Tolerates poor, sandy, or clay soils
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established, but appreciates occasional watering
- Height: Typically grows 1-4 feet tall
- Spread: Forms small clumps or scattered populations
The plant’s wetland status varies by region – it can handle both wet and dry conditions in most areas, though it prefers drier sites in Hawaii. This adaptability is part of what makes it so easy to grow, but also explains why it spreads so readily.
Planting and Care Tips
Starting spiderwisp is as simple as scattering seeds in spring after the last frost. The seeds germinate quickly in warm soil, and the plants grow fast enough to provide coverage within a few months.
Once established, spiderwisp needs minimal care. Water during extended dry periods, but don’t worry too much about fertilizing – this plant actually seems to prefer lean conditions. You might want to deadhead spent flowers if you’re concerned about excessive self-seeding.
Consider Native Alternatives
While spiderwisp isn’t harmful to grow, consider exploring native alternatives that provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems. Depending on your region, native options might include wild bergamot, native asters, or regional wildflower species that offer better support for local wildlife.
Native plants have co-evolved with local insects, birds, and other wildlife, creating more robust food webs in your garden. They’re also typically better adapted to local climate conditions, often requiring less water and care once established.
The Bottom Line
Spiderwisp is like that acquaintance who’s perfectly pleasant but not particularly exciting – it won’t cause problems, but it won’t wow you either. If you have a challenging spot that needs quick, temporary coverage, or if you’re just curious about this understated annual, it’s worth experimenting with. Just keep in mind that every garden space is an opportunity to support native biodiversity, and there might be more locally appropriate options that could serve your needs even better.
Whether you choose spiderwisp or opt for native alternatives, the most important thing is creating a garden that brings you joy while being mindful of the broader ecosystem around you.
