Cleomella arborea
Cleomella arborea · Cleomaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around cleomella arborea and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Spiderflower shrub, Tree cleomella
- Family
- Cleomaceae
- Type
- Shrub
- Foliage
- Deciduous to semi-evergreen
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (May-September)
- Mature size
- 2 to 4 m tall × 1.5 to 2.5 m wide
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender (warm zones, minimum +5°C)
- Origin
- Arid and semi-arid regions of North Africa and the Middle East
Care
Light exposure
Plant Cleomella arborea in full sun, in a well-lit and airy location. It tolerates hot and dry conditions, even scorching exposures. Insufficient light reduces flowering and weakens the shrub's structure.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer), allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in autumn and winter. In very dry climates, moderate watering is sufficient thanks to its drought resistance, but young plants need more attention.
Soil
Choose well-draining, light soil, even poor soil: Mediterranean plant potting mix mixed with sand or gravel. Avoid excessive moisture and root suffocation. Neutral to slightly alkaline pH works perfectly.
Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer application in spring is quite sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing, which stimulates foliage at the expense of flowering. A moderate boost in summer can support flower production, but it's not essential.
Pruning and structure
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a harmonious shape and remove dead wood. Pinch young shoots to encourage branching. Avoid severe pruning that could weaken the shrub.
Diseases and pests
Rarely affected by diseases in dry, well-ventilated climates. Watch for excessive moisture that can promote root rot or fungal diseases. Ensure good air circulation around the plant and ventilate regularly.
Did you know?
Cleomella arborea is a shrub still little known in Western horticulture, long confused with herbaceous Cleome species. Its name 'arborea' reflects its ability to become woody and long-lived, forming a true shrubby structure, unlike its annual relatives. Native to desert regions, this shrub symbolizes botanical adaptation to extreme environments.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.