Is the spider flower hardy?

In the Spider flower it is a popular plant that immediately catches the eye with its filigree stamens. In the German-speaking countries, the Cleomaceae are usually kept as an annual plant. In the following year they are sown again in order to present their flowers throughout the summer. Because of this, many gardeners wonder whether the spider flower is hardy at all and, if not, what measures are necessary to overwinter.

Is the spider flower hardy?

Whether the species of the genus Cleome are hardy can be clearly seen with one no respond. The ornamental plant is even extremely sensitive to temperatures that are too low, as it is only a very poor tolerance to cold Has. The reason for this is the original range of the spider plant, because it comes from the following countries in South America:

• Bolivia
• Paraguay
• Brazil
• Argentina

Although it is also found in the United States of America, Mexico and the Caribbean, the plants here also enjoy constant, warm temperatures. The Cleome spinosa is not used to winter at all and has to be overwintered for this reason. In itself the species is namely one

perennial, perennial plant that will easily delight several seasons with its flowering. The following list provides an overview of the individual temperature sections that you should definitely keep an eye on when holding a spider flower:

• from 20 ° C: ideal
• 15 ° C to 20 ° C: weaker growth
• 10 ° C to 15 ° C: growth ceases
• below 10 ° C: plant dies

Summer temperatures between 15 ° C to 25 ° C are typical for Germany and these can vary greatly depending on the region and weather conditions. For example, if you live in vineyards, you don't have to worry as much about temperature changes in summer that could affect the spider flowers.

Since the winters in Germany take place well below freezing point, you cannot keep the plants outdoors. Even the months of March to mid-May are not recommended here. The lack of winter hardiness of the Cleomen ensures that they die even in spring. For this reason, you have to wait for the ice saints in mid-May until the ornamental plant can move into the garden. Since the popular ornamental plant can only last for one summer, many are wondering whether it is even possible to overwinter.

Note: If you are looking for spider flowers in stores, don't be surprised if next to the botanical name C. spinosa see more. Due to their long history of research, spider plants also have the name variants C. hassleriana, C. pungens, C. gigantea and Tarenaya hassleriana, although these are the same plant.

Hibernate Cleome

It is not possibleTo overwinter spider flowers, because not only are the plants not hardy, they also cannot survive overwintering indoors. The temperature and light differences over the winter in Central Europe are too great for the tropical plant. For this reason, you have to do without the pretty plants during the cold season. This is not even possible in the greenhouse. In cold regions with a pronounced winter, the spider flower can never build up enough strength to maintain its vitality for several years.

Alternative: overwinter seeds

Compared to the plant itself, the seeds do not suffer from cold and can easily be used to grow new specimens. All you have to do is harvest the ripe seed pods in autumn and keep them until March. These are then placed in potting soil on the windowsill as usual and planted in the garden after the ice saints. If you repeat this process every year, you won't have to get new spider flowers.

Note: Be sure to pay attention to the toxicity of the spider flower. Because while the entire plant is toxic, the seeds of the mustard oil glycosides contain the highest concentration. For this reason, be sure to wear gloves when caring for, harvesting and reseeding in the spring so that you don't end up wearing them Symptoms of intoxication To suffer.