The way to Prune Cleome
Cleome (Cleome spp.) , sometimes called spider flower, produces delicate but massive blooms atop tall stalks, resembling a firework in mid-burst. The annual blossom grows and a summertime plant in all climates and thrives in sunny beds and moist soil. Cleome rises to 3 feet tall but the lower portion of the stems is often bare so it’s best suited when grown in the back of the bed. Lower-growing plants camouflage the bare lower stems of the cleome. The plants don’t require regular pruning but a mild trim can improve cleome’s appearance and encourage further flowering by preventing seed collection.
Pinch back the most important upright stems to within 1/4 inch of the topmost leaf or leaf bud immediately after planting. Pinching the stems drives them to split into two stems, resulting in bushier growth and much more flower buds later in the summertime.
Trim off dead or damaged leaves in any time during the growing season. Remove these where they join into your stem utilizing clean pruning shears.
Prune, or deadhead, wilting blooms in the plants since the petals start to droop and whither. Cut back the flower stem beneath the flower head. Remove the entire blossom, including the swollen portion in the foundation, to prevent seed formation and also encourage further flowering. Deadhead once per week during the blooming season.