The Aromatic Appeal Of Cleome Flowers

The aroma of cleome flowers is a topic of some debate. While some people suggest that the plants have a faint but potent aroma similar to that of a skunk, others maintain that the flowers have no noticeable fragrance. However, it is worth noting that the foliage of the plant, as opposed to the flowers, is often described as having a foetid smell, or a slight skunk-like scent.

Some cleome flowers have a slight aroma, but it is not noticeable to everyone

Cleome, or spider flower, is a genus of about 170 species in the caper family. It is an attractive plant with unusual flowers and requires very little care during the growing season. The flowers are pink, purple, white, or lavender. While some cleome flowers have no noticeable fragrance, others are very fragrant, often described as having a musky, sweet, pungent, or spicy scent. The aroma is faint but potent and can be disconcerting to some.

The aromatic foliage of the cleome plant is slightly sticky with exudate and has a foetid smell from the glandular hairs. Many people suggest that the plants have a slight skunk-like scent. The scent is faint and not noticeable to everyone, but it is distinct.

Cleome is a great addition to gardens as it is drought-tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant, and attracts pollinators like hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and moths. It is easy to grow and care for, making it a perfect plant for gardeners who like a stately and tidy garden, as well as those with a more laissez-faire approach.

While cleome has many desirable characteristics, its aroma may be considered a drawback by some gardeners. The scent is not strong, but it can be off-putting to those who are sensitive to smells or have a negative association with the skunk-like odour. However, for those who are not bothered by the aroma, cleome can be a beautiful and unique addition to their garden.

The aroma of the cleome flower is often described as skunk-like

The cleome plant is native to South America and is a favourite in Southern gardens. It grows well in full sun to light shade and is drought-tolerant. The plant has a deep and strong taproot, so it does not require staking. Cleome is also deer and rabbit resistant.

While the aroma of the cleome flower is often described as skunk-like, not all cultivars have this scent. Some newer cultivars, such as the Señorita Rosalita, are thornless, non-sticky, and odourless. These hybrids do not produce seeds, so they will not self-seed in your garden.

Cleome is easy to grow and requires very little care during the growing season. The seeds can be sown directly in the garden after the danger of frost has passed. The plants will bloom about 70-80 days after germination and will continue blooming until the first frost.

In addition to its distinctive aroma, the cleome flower is known for its spidery appearance, with long stamens and seedpods that curve and skinny like spider legs. This unique flower adds an ethereal, architectural interest to any garden.

The aroma of the cleome flower is also described as musky, sweet, pungent, and spicy

Cleome, or spider flower, is a genus of about 170 species in the caper family. It is a common annual flower from South America and has been a garden favourite since the 1800s. The flowers grow in open racemes, with loose, wispy clusters of small blooms at the end of each stem. The long stamens give it a "spidery" appearance, and its seed pods are long, curving, and skinny. The flowers are typically white, pink, purple, or lavender, and they attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.

The aroma of the cleome flower is quite distinctive. While some people find it faint, it is also described as potent and musky. The sweet and pungent scent can be a bit disconcerting for some, as it is quite unexpected coming from such a pretty flower. However, the cleome is a favourite in many gardens due to its unique characteristics and ease of care.

The cleome flower is also known for its slight skunk-like scent, which has earned it the nickname "skunk flower." This aroma is quite faint but distinct, and it adds an old-fashioned charm to gardens. The cleome is a resilient and low-maintenance plant, making it a popular choice for gardeners.

In addition to its aroma, the cleome is known for its striking appearance. The flowers are large and seem to float above thick, woody stems. The seed pods are long and curving, resembling the legs of a spider or daddy longlegs. This unique look has made the cleome a beloved addition to many gardens, despite its unusual fragrance.

While the aroma of the cleome flower may be unusual, it is a testament to the diversity and beauty of nature. The cleome's resilience, low maintenance, and striking appearance make it a beloved garden fixture, and its scent adds an unexpected layer of interest.

The aroma of the cleome flower comes from the glandular hairs on the foliage

The aroma of the cleome flower is faint but potent, and some people liken it to a skunk-like scent. The scent is produced by the glandular hairs on the foliage, which also give the leaves a slightly sticky texture. While the aroma of the cleome flower may be distinctive, it is not always considered unpleasant. In fact, many gardeners appreciate the cleome for its unique fragrance and its ability to attract pollinators such as hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and other insects.

Not all cleome flowers have a noticeable fragrance. Some cultivars, such as the 'Señorita Rosalita', are thornless, odourless and sterile. These newer hybrids are often bred to be more desirable for gardens, as they lack the strong scent and sharp spines of older varieties. The 'Rose Queen' cultivar, on the other hand, is known to be fragrant, with a musky, sweet, pungent or spicy scent.

The aroma of the cleome flower is just one aspect of this unique and easy-to-grow plant. With its tall, strong stems, distinctive flowers and seedpods, and ability to self-seed, the cleome is a fascinating addition to any garden.

Not all cleome flowers have an aroma; some newer cultivars are odourless

Cleome is a genus of about 170 species in the caper family and is a native of South America. It is an annual flower that can grow up to 6 feet tall, although dwarf cultivars exist. It is a popular garden plant, having been a favourite since the 1800s.

The flowers grow in open racemes, with loose, wispy clusters of small blooms at the end of each stem. The plants branch readily and can grow as wide as they are tall. The leaves are palmately compound with 5-7 leaflets, and there are prickles on the underside of the leaf. The leaves are slightly sticky, with a foetid smell from the glandular hairs.

While some cleome varieties have a strong aroma, others are very fragrant, often described as having a musky, sweet and pungent, or spicy scent. The 'Rose Queen' cultivar, for example, is known to be fragrant. However, some newer cultivars, such as the 'Linde Armstrong' and 'Señorita' series, are odourless. These newer cultivars have been bred for more compact growth habits and prolific blooms.

Cleome is an attractive plant with unique characteristics. It is tall but not too tall, has unusual flowers, and requires very little care during the growing season. It is a relatively unique plant because of how it flowers and the length of time it stays in bloom—from early summer until the first frost.

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