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Cat's Whiskers
This archived discussion is "read only".
» memtn - Can anyone identify this plant? This spring I bought a plant at a garden sale that was only identified as "Cat's Whiskers". I'd love to know it's botanical name and whether it's an annual or perennial. It's now about 3' x 3', has somewhat square stems, opposite leaves and racemes of small salvia-like white blooms. Is anyone familiar with this plant?-- posted by memtn » emilylevitt - Oh heavens. yes--- What you have is 'cleome' a plant which is both loved and despised by gardeners all over the South. Each little floweret sets up seed pods, which send forth zillions of seeds which show up all over the place the following season. These seedlings need a good cold snap in order to germinate. some folks who love this plant will put the seeds into water in ice cube trays to force them to perform.Personally I love this plant--the errant seedlings are easy to pull up--but I have too much shade for it to bloom well. -- posted by emilylevitt » emilylevitt - AND-- I put a picture of it in this article Brainless BloomsThe title tells you something about the ease of growing this plant! Em -- posted by emilylevitt » prisci - Re: Can anyone identify this plant? I'm a little late reading your message about cat's whiskers. I have this plant and it is not the same as cleome. It's botanical name is orthosiphon stamineus. I bought mine last year and really enjoyed it. It is not hardy in my zone 7 North MS garden, but I was able to root some cuttings and enjoy it again this year. It did not do as well this year but I'm hoping to save it again!What zone are you? Maybe is will be hardy for you. -- posted by prisci
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