Cleome plants, also known as spider flowers, are absolutely gorgeous annuals that can add a huge burst of color to gardens, flower beds, and patio containers. With large, vibrant blooms available in shades of pink, purple, white, and bi-colors, it’s no wonder these plants have become so popular. The good news is cleome plants are very easy to find for sale, even at your local home improvement stores and garden centers. With just a little planning, you can add these stunning flowers to your yard this season.
A Quick Overview of Cleome
Before discussing where to find cleomes for sale, let’s do a quick rundown of these amazing plants. Here are some key facts
- Cleome is an annual flower, meaning the plants live for just one growing season.
- They can grow quite large, reaching 3-5 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. Proper spacing is important.
- Flowers bloom continuously from early summer through the first frost. Deadheading prolongs flowering.
- Colors include bright pink, purple, white, and bi-color variations. New cultivars add new options.
- Cleome thrives in full sun and warm weather. They are not fussy about soil as long as it drains well.
- The plants are prolific self-seeders, coming back year after year in the garden.
- Spider flowers get their name from the long, spidery stamens protruding from each flower.
With their vibrant colors and non-stop flowers, it’s easy to see why cleome inject so much visual excitement into the garden. Now let’s look at the many options for buying these plants close to home.
Check Your Local Home Improvement Stores
One of the easiest places to find cleomes for sale is your neighborhood home improvement or hardware store. Big box stores like Lowes and Home Depot typically carry a nice selection of cleome plants once spring arrives Here are some tips for shopping the cleome selection at these stores
- Look for plants starting in late April or May. Stock will increase as summer approaches.
- Often the plants are sold in 6-packs or 4-inch plastic pots. Larger individual pots may be offered as well.
- Make sure plants are not root bound. Avoid any that are severely pot-bound or look overgrown.
- Seek out cultivars like Queen Series and Senorita Rosalita for vivid colors.
- Expect to pay $5-15 for a 6-pack or $5-10 for a larger individual cleome plant.
- Take proper spacing into account if buying multiple plants. Allow 12-18 inches between plants.
The convenience of one-stop shopping makes home improvement stores like Lowes a great option for finding cleomes close to home. Take time to inspect plants carefully and select those that look healthy and vibrant. Also be aware that stock is limited, so shop early for the best selection.
Visit Your Local Nurseries and Garden Centers
Another excellent option for finding cleomes for sale in your area is shopping at local nurseries, garden centers, or family-owned flower shops. These specialty plant retailers typically offer a wider selection, healthier plants, and more unique varieties compared to big box stores. Here are some tips for shopping at these local outlets:
- Time your visit for peak cleome season in early summer. Call ahead to check availability.
- Look for robust, full plants around 8-12 inches tall rather than smaller starters.
- Try to find plants with several flower spikes and buds ready to open. Avoid leggy or stressed plants.
- Ask about any unique cleome varieties they may offer beyond the common colors.
- Expect to pay $5-15 for a 1-gallon potted plant or $15-25 for a larger 3-gallon size.
- Take advantage of staff expertise for tips on caring for your new plants.
The knowledge, service, and selection at locally-owned garden shops is hard to beat when searching for cleomes in your area. A quick internet search for “garden centers near me” or “flower shops near me” can uncover these hidden gems selling beautiful plants.
Order Cleomes Online for Home Delivery
Can’t find the cleome plants you want nearby? Consider ordering them online for delivery directly to your door. Online plant retailers like Proven Winners, Nature Hills Nursery, and Burpee offer a wide variety of cleome plants available for shipment. Here are some key advantages to ordering cleomes online:
- Access exotic cleome varieties you won’t find locally. Choose from new hybrids, different colors, and unique flower forms.
- Order plants anytime from early spring through early summer for delivery when you want them.
- Receive larger, more mature plants that make an instant impact in your gardens.
- Avoid the hassles of transporting plants in your own vehicle. Plants arrive safely on your doorstep.
- Enjoy the convenience of buying from home. Most sites make ordering online fast and easy.
Just be sure to order early, as the most unique cleome varieties sell out quickly. Allow 1-2 weeks for delivery time. When plants arrive, inspect carefully and plant right away into well-prepared soil.
Start Cleome Seeds for a Thrifty Option
If you don’t mind waiting a bit longer for flowers, starting cleome plants from seed can be an inexpensive option. Here are some tips for going the seed route:
- Buy seed packets from garden centers or online. Look for Debutante Purple or Queen Series.
- Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Plant in sterile seed starting mix.
- Provide bright light and consistent moisture until seedlings emerge. This takes 7-14 days.
- Transplant seedlings to larger containers when the first true leaves appear.
- Gradually expose young plants to outdoor conditions through a process called hardening off.
- Move cleome seedlings to the garden after all danger of frost. Space 12-18 inches apart.
- Be patient for flowers! It takes 10-12 weeks from seed to the first blooms.
Growing cleomes from seed requires more time and effort, but it’s a great money-saving strategy. You’ll also gain the satisfaction of nurturing your plants from the ground up.
Planning and Caring for Your Cleome Plants
Once you track down those coveted cleome plants, make sure to give them the care they need to thrive through the season. Here are some quick cleome growing tips:
- Plant in full sun – cleomes love 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Choose a site with well-drained soil. Amend dense clay or sandy soils if needed.
- Water 1-2 inches per week. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again mid-season if growth slows.
- Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous bloom.
- Stake taller plants if needed to prevent them from toppling over.
- Watch for aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Control with insecticidal soap.
- Harvest cleome seeds in fall if you want volunteer plants next year.
With proper care and ideal growing conditions, your cleome plants will reward you with non-stop color right up until frost. The vibrant blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies too!
The Search is Over – Find Your Cleomes!
Thanks to their enormous popularity, cleome plants are now readily available at garden retailers across the country. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find beautiful, high-quality cleomes for sale near your home. Shop local home improvement stores for convenience, visit specialty nurseries for the best selection, or order online for exotic varieties delivered straight to your door. Whatever source you choose, a colorful array of magical spider flowers can be added to your garden this season. Just be sure to give them a spot in full sun and provide consistent moisture. Soon your landscape will be filled with the unique, spidery blooms of cleome waving gracefully on tall, robust plants. Happy gardening!
