Cleoma is a shrub up to a meter high native to South America with pink-purple, lilac or white flowers. True, not everyone likes the smell of such a variety of plants as cleome flowers. But they conquer with the beauty of their flowers, which bloom profusely from June to September inclusive and, like honeybees, attract many bees. Inflorescences are quite large and have a winning appearance against the background of greenery and garden crops. An interesting form of fragrant flowers with long stamens resembles multi-colored spiders.
This is a rather spectacular, fast-growing annual plant that catches your eye, even if it was planted somewhere in the background of the flower garden. Of course, Cleome flowers look better in the group and look like a loner among the undersized "brothers" royally. The plant is prickly, but similar to the beautiful rose, it seems just a trifle in comparison with the beauty of its flowers. Original and attractive compositions from them in flowerpots or large flowerpots can be a good decoration for patios and terraces. Cut Cleome flowers look good in the composition and can stand in the water for almost 2 weeks.
It should be noted that cleome flowers are heat-loving and drought-resistant. Usually in March, the seeds of this beautiful flower are sown on seedlings, evenly distributed on the surface of wet compost and slightly sprinkled with vermiculite. Then, to maintain humidity, cover with a transparent film or glass. In case of insufficient light, an additional source is organized. On the 4-6th day, with temperature indicators within 26-30 degrees shoots appear. Immediately after their appearance, the film is removed and the temperature is lowered to a range of 22-25 degrees. After 2-3 weeks, the seedlings are transferred to the pots and hardened before planting them in the ground. Already directly into the ground transferred after the frost.
For plants such as cleome flowers, regular watering is necessary, but care must be taken not to over-moisten the soil. They are fed with complex fertilizers 2 times a month. Prefers cleoma for its growth, sunny places and fertile soil. The plant is stable and rarely susceptible to diseases and pests; it does not cause particular concern about this.
About 70 species of this shrub are counted and due to the original shape of its inflorescences, reminiscent of salutes, fountains, fireworks from spray, one of the most popular varietal mixtures of the plant is called clement “Spray of champagne”, which sounds very beautiful.
Another varietal mixture, which is also in great demand among gardeners, is a rather powerful plant with inflorescences that are distinguished by a variety of colors and referred to as the “Color Fountain” cleome. The riot of colors and the unusual shape of the flower is quite consistent with this undoubtedly beautiful name.
The flower’s shape is really unusual for kleoma - four-petalled (petals are rounded), which is 2-3 centimeters in diameter with a protruding stamen, up to 8 centimeters long, and on a long peduncle. Cleoma flowers are collected in the brush and bloom from the bottom up, as the brush gradually stretches out. After the cleoma fades, elongated seed bolls form on the long stalks. At the same time, they do not spoil the appearance of the cleome at all, but look very mysterious.
Today, the cleome plant adorns courtyards, front gardens, terraces and household plots. Variety cleome “Color Fountain”, as a rule, takes place in the very center of flower beds and flower beds, being one of the main components of landscape design. And next to it, in collaboration with other annual and perennial flowers, the splash of champagne reigns and shines, giving the sensation of a holiday with its enchanting beauty.