Cleome hassleriana 'Violet Queen'
spider flower
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.
How to care for Cleome hassleriana Violet Queen:
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.
Sowing instructions:
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.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1.5m
Eventual spread:
0.45m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
approx 125 seeds
£3.79
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
1
