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Cleome isomeris (Bladderpod)

Bladderpod, Bladderpod Spiderflower, Bladderbush, Burro-Fat, Isomeris arborea, Peritoma arborea, Isomeris arborea var. angustata, Isomeris arborea var. globosa, Isomeris arborea var. insularis

Cleome isomeris, Bladderpod, Bladderpod Spiderflower, Bladderbush, Burro-Fat, Isomeris arborea, Peritoma arborea, Yellow Shrub, Yellow Flowers
Cleome isomeris, Bladderpod, Bladderpod Spiderflower, Bladderbush, Burro-Fat, Isomeris arborea, Peritoma arborea, Yellow Shrub, Yellow Flowers
Cleome isomeris, Bladderpod, Bladderpod Spiderflower, Bladderbush, Burro-Fat, Isomeris arborea, Peritoma arborea, Yellow Shrub, Yellow Flowers
Cleome isomeris, Bladderpod, Bladderpod Spiderflower, Bladderbush, Burro-Fat, Isomeris arborea, Peritoma arborea, Yellow Shrub, Yellow Flowers

Cleome isomeris (Bladderpod) is a multi-branched evergreen shrub boasting showy terminal clusters of yellow flowers with long stamens that radiate from each flower and protrude out. The nectar-filled blossoms attract a diverse array of pollinators, including native bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Blooming over a reasonably long period, from winter to early summer, the flowers rise atop profusely branched stems lined with compound, alternate, pale green leaves divided into three leaflets. The foliage is strongly aromatic when crushed. The flowers give way to interesting fleshy green pods, 2 in. long (5 cm), that dangle from short stalks. The fruits contain 5 to 25 pea-like seeds that are edible. The flowers and seed pods can appear on the stem at the same time, which adds to the charm and interest of the plant. Noted for its attractive and long-lasting flowers, bright color, low water needs, fire resistance, drought tolerance, Bladderpod can be planted in sunny water-wise landscapes. It is recommended for wildflower gardens and pollinator gardens as it provides resources for many native bees and other insects over its long flowering period.

  • Grows up to 2-6 ft. tall and wide (60-180 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun in most well-drained soils. Thrives in sandy soils. Very little irrigation is required after establishment. Well adapted to desert conditions and alkaline soils, it tolerates drought and high levels of salinity.
  • An ideal addition to Mediterranean gardens, pollinator gardens, wildflower gardens, and naturalized areas. Good for dry slopes, bank stabilization or as an informal hedge or low screen. Makes an attractive low to medium filler in desert gardens.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant.
  • Prune back after blooming for a fuller shape.
  • Propagate by seed (no treatment).
  • Native to Arizona, California, Baja California.

 

Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 11
Climate Zones 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Cleomaceae
Genus Cleome
Common names Cleome, Bladderpod
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early)
Winter
Height 2' - 6'
(60cm - 180cm)
Spread 2' - 6'
(60cm - 180cm)
Spacing 48" - 72"
(120cm - 180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants California, United States, Southwest, Arizona
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
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Cleome (Spider Flower)
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Cleome lutea (Yellow Beeplant)
Cleome serrulata (Rocky Mountain Beeplant)
Cleome Pequeña Rosalita® (Spider Flower)
Cleome Señorita Rosalita® (Spider Flower)
Cleome Señorita Mi Amor® (Spider Flower)
Cleome Señorita Blanca® (Spider Flower)

Recommended Companion Plants

Yucca brevifolia (Joshua Tree)
Asclepias subulata (Rush Milkweed)
Fouquieria splendens (Ocotillo)
Justicia californica (Chuparosa)
Sphaeralcea ambigua (Desert Mallow)
Abronia latifolia (Yellow Sand Verbena)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 11
Climate Zones 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Cleomaceae
Genus Cleome
Common names Cleome, Bladderpod
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early)
Winter
Height 2' - 6'
(60cm - 180cm)
Spread 2' - 6'
(60cm - 180cm)
Spacing 48" - 72"
(120cm - 180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants California, United States, Southwest, Arizona
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Cleome (Spider Flower)
Not sure which Cleome (Spider Flower) to pick?
Compare Now

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