Rocky Mountain Beeplant (Wild Cleome)

About the Variety

Rocky Moutain Beeplant, as the name suggests, is a favorite among native pollinators–including hummingbirds. Also known as Wild Cleome, this North American wildflower has a unique look to it—the blooms consist of clusters of tiny purple florets sitting atop each stem that open from the bottom up to the top. If beauty alone isn’t enough for Eden Brothers’ Rocky Mountain Beeplant to win you over, know that the herb has been used for millennia as a food source and as medicine for ailments like stomachache and fever.

Key Features

Heat Tolerant, Drought Tolerant, Prefers Lean Soil, Attracts Bees, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Fast Growing, Easy to Grow, Perfect for Dried Flowers, Perfect for Xeriscaping, Edible, Reduces Erosion, Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant, North American Native

Plant Details

Planting Information

Planting Guide

When to Plant

Cleome seeds are easy to start and low maintenance. They are an annual that is planted in the early spring to mid-summer. Cleomes, or Spider Plants, will bloom until the first frost. In a windy area, they may require staking; they are disease and insect free. Butterflies and hummingbirds love to feast on cleomes.

Where to Plant

Cleome seeds may be started indoors or outdoors. They grow best in full sun; seeds will germinate in 8 to 12 days if temperatures are 70 to 80F.

How to Plant

While not required, cleome seeds can benefit from special 7 to 14 day treatment called cold stratification prior to planting them. Learn more about the importance and process of cold stratification here. Cleome seeds require light to germinate, so be careful not to cover them when planting. Learn more about germination light requirements here. Seeds should be planted 1/8th inch deep and left uncovered. Space 3 inches between seeds, and space 18 inches between rows. Thin to 18 to 24 inches apart when plants are 3 inches tall. Cleome plants started indoors can be transplanted at 21 to 25 days.

How to Care for

For taller varieties, stake them to help support them and keep them from breaking. Make sure to thin out the plant once it reaches 6″ or more. They can also be safely transplanted when they reach that height.