Cleome hassleriana 'Violet Queen'
spider flower
- approx 125 seeds
- £3.79
- In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
Delivery options
- Seed Packets (only) £2.99
- Position: full sun
- Soil: preferably a light, sandy soil
- Rate of growth: fast
- Flowering period: July to September
- Hardiness: half-hardy annual
Eyecatching and strongly-scented, the deep violet flowers and palm-like leaves of Cleome hassleriana 'Violet Queen' will add a tropical look to the late summer garden. Great for adding vertical interest to a perennial border, the spidery flowers will also make attractive cut flowers. The seed heads can be dried and added to bouquets, too.
Plant in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil, and water regularly until established. Once growing strongly, it tolerates short dry spells but will flower best with consistent moisture.
Feed every few weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser to support the long flowering season. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage further flowering, or leave some seed heads if you want it to self-seed for the following year. Stems can be tall and airy, so support may be useful in exposed sites. Cleome is half-hardy, so plant outside only after the risk of frost has passed. In the UK, it is usually grown as an annual for summer display.
Feed every few weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser to support the long flowering season. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage further flowering, or leave some seed heads if you want it to self-seed for the following year. Stems can be tall and airy, so support may be useful in exposed sites. Cleome is half-hardy, so plant outside only after the risk of frost has passed. In the UK, it is usually grown as an annual for summer display.
For early flowers, sow under glass in late winter or spring. Plant seeds approximately 1cm deep in a seed tray containing good compost and keep warm. When large enough to handle, pot on and harden off before planting outside.
Alternatively, sow thinly outside in a sunny bed after all risk of frost has passed. Thin to 45cm (18in) as they grow on. Avoid over-watering and dead-head regularly to keep the plants producing more flowers. Protect them from strong winds and frosts.
Alternatively, sow thinly outside in a sunny bed after all risk of frost has passed. Thin to 45cm (18in) as they grow on. Avoid over-watering and dead-head regularly to keep the plants producing more flowers. Protect them from strong winds and frosts.
