Cleomes

Mine are coming back every where so I am for sure why? Could have been the winter or maybe you applied a heavy mulch layer. My recommendation - scatter some seed and you should be good for another 5 or 10 years.

PS: This plant really looks the best at the back of the bed because it is tall and a little leggy at the base.

Dennis

I planted Cleomes last year and they did very well, but they did not come back this year. Anyone know why?

This is an old time favorite. There are a few newer varieties on the market. It seems what's old is new again. Newer varieties include Sparkler which has not proven to be the best for our climate. The taller old fashion which I think is Rose Queen mix is probably the best.

Like other people have said, once you have it you have it for life. With that being said I keep a few plants around each summer!

Dennis - Johnson County Extension

I have photos of cleome growing out of cracks in my driveway - and very welcome it was! Not a great fragrance though.

I just did a quick check at one of my favorite local stores and they said they don't have any of the new varieties and at this time of the season they won't be doing any more ordering. (I'm assuming you've read about those varieties in the story to the right.)

So you may need to get some seeds from a website -- there are a lot to choose from -- and then seed this fall, as Laura suggests.

-- Craig

Just a word of caution--once you plant cleome, you will have it forever! Cleome reseeds readily in the garden, which is great if you have the cottage garden look and don't mind pulling seedlings that pop up all over every spring. Also, they have little stinging hairs that give some people an itchy rash. All that being said, they are pretty and very popular. It wouldn't hurt to try to plant them now. You could also save some seed and sprinkle it out in the fall for early germination next spring.
Laura-Johnson Co. Extension Master Gardener

I have seen mixes mostly about town.

I dont recall were but one nursery had named (really just a specific color[ cherry queen?) in 1 gallon pots.

Cleome is so easy from seed I suggest getting specific varieties from a seed company. It's a little late to start from seed but one still could. I have seen them in seed racks - just the queen series though.