Maintenance Notes:
Unlike other cleome, Senorita Rosalita will not self seed, doesn't get bare knees, she isn't sticky and the doesn't usually have thorns. Her flowers are smaller than classic cleome, but she flowers all over the plant not just at the top. Since she doesn't self seed you don't have to worry about cleome seedlings trying to take over your garden. She is great for adding height to garden beds and had dark green foliage. Deadheading isn't necessary.
Occasionally, older mature Senorita plants may sometimes have a few spines, but this is uncommon.
For gardeners in the Deep South we have had reports of Seorita Rosalita being attacked by a stem borer. We, with the help of the University of Florida and a great local nurseryman, finally got a pest ID and some information for those of you in impacted areas. The pest is Cabbage Budworm (Censored phidilealis) and is a member of the moth family. Symptoms of infestation include wilting and death of the tip of each stem, the caterpillar bored into the stem as it develops and spends it's like in the stem until thatching and flying off to infect other plants. You can control the problem with DiPel which is a natural bacterium that the worm ingests and then the bacterium eats the worm. Totally harmless to pets and humans, it can be applied as a dust to your plants on a monthly basis and should persist to prevent future problems. This insect also feeds on all cabbage related crops, like Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cauliflower, Chinese broccoli, Chinese mustard, and leafy plants such as bok choy, mizuna, and Collard greens. To our knowledge this pest only occurs in South Florida (Tampa and farther south), but the control of the problem is the same for all areas of the US.
An application of fertilizer or compost on garden beds and regular fertilization of plants in pots will help ensure the best possible performance.
