Tree Cleomella Plant Care

Tree Cleomella (Cleomella arborea) belongs to the Cleomaceae family within the Cleomella genus. Tree Cleomella is also known as Desert Clover.

Tree Cleomella displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Tree Cleomella produces small, white to pale yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Tree Cleomella every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Tree Cleomella thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Cleomella arborea tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Tree Cleomella prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Sandy, well-draining soil mix with gravel and gypsum. Good drainage is essential for Tree Cleomella to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Tree Cleomella every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and sandy, well-draining soil mix with gravel and gypsum. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Tree Cleomella is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Tree Cleomella can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Tree Cleomella while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Tree Cleomella is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Tree Cleomella can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to narrowleaf cleomella plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Tree Cleomella is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Tree Cleomella grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Tree Cleomella as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.