How to Grow Cleome Pink Queen

Cleome Pink Queen

Cleome hassleriana 'Pink Queen'

flower

Cleome Pink Queen is a tall, dramatic annual flower featuring distinctive pink blooms arranged in showy clusters atop long, spidery stems. Known for its spider-like appearance with prominent stamens, this cultivar grows vigorously and blooms prolifically from mid-summer through frost. It's a self-seeding annual that adds height, texture, and cottage-garden charm to borders and mixed plantings.

Looking for a specific variety?

Pink Queen White Queen Rose Queen Sparkler Blush Violet Queen Purple Queen

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade but flowers more prolifically in full sun

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Water: Moderate watering; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Once established, fairly drought-tolerant. Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk.

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Spacing: 18 inches

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Days to maturity: 60-70 days to first bloom from seed

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Planting depth: Surface sow or barely cover seeds; needs light to germinate

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss Perlite for heavy clay soils

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives as an annual in zones 2-11; grows as a tender perennial in zones 10-11

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Seed Germination

7-14 days

Tiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons visible; very delicate.

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light immediately after germination. Thin seedlings to prevent damping off.

Seedling & Early Vegetative

3-4 weeks

Plants develop first true leaves and begin branching; still relatively compact and low.

Maintain even moisture. Begin hardening off outdoors 1-2 weeks before planting. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth.

Rapid Growth & Stem Elongation

3-4 weeks

Plants stretch upward quickly, developing their characteristic tall, thin stems with sparse, feathery foliage.

Water regularly as growth accelerates. Provide support stakes if windy. Pinching is optional—remove top growth early to encourage bushier form. Feed with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

Flowering & Blooming

8-12 weeks (throughout summer until frost)

Distinctive pink flower clusters appear at stem tips; flowers gradually open from bottom to top, creating a multi-week display on each spike.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming, though self-seeding may be desired. Continue regular watering and feeding. Watch for pests.

Seed Set & Senescence

Until first frost

Upper flowers finish blooming; lower flowers mature into seed pods; plant gradually declines after first hard frost.

Allow some flowers to remain for self-seeding if desired. Cut back dead foliage. In mild climates, may regrow or reseed next season.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Salvia Zinnias Cosmos Black-eyed Susan Sunflowers Veronicastrum Grasses (Miscanthus, Panicum)

Avoid planting near:

Parsnips Fennel Dill

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Improve air circulation.
Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil. Remove heavily infested leaves.
Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
Avoid wetting foliage; improve air circulation. Remove infected leaves. Apply fungicide if widespread.

Uses

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Edible Flowers

Culinary

Cleome flowers are mildly peppery and can be used as an edible garnish for salads, soups, and desserts, adding visual appeal and subtle spice. [source]

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Cut Flowers & Arrangements

Household

Tall, airy stems make excellent filler flowers in fresh or dried arrangements, providing height and movement to floral designs. [source]

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Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

Prolific blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the season, supporting beneficial insect populations in the garden. [source]

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Seed Pod Decoration

Craft

Dried seed pods have ornamental appeal and can be used in dried flower arrangements, wreaths, or craft projects for unique texture and structure. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

In some traditional medicine systems, Cleome species have been used to treat inflammation and skin conditions, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut fresh flowers in early morning when stems are hydrated. Pick flower clusters when most buds are just opening for longest vase life (7-10 days). For seed collection, allow flowers to mature into papery seed pods; harvest when dry and brown, then store seeds in cool, dry conditions. Self-seeds readily if flowers are left on plant.

Fun Facts

🌱 The common name 'Spider Flower' comes from the long, spidery stamens that protrude from the flowers, creating an insect-like appearance that fascinates gardeners.
🌱 Cleome is primarily self-pollinating and readily self-seeds, often surprising gardeners with volunteer seedlings the following season in unexpected locations.
🌱 The cultivar 'Pink Queen' was selected specifically for its vibrant pink color, which stands out more dramatically in garden settings than the species' typical pink-and-white bicolor flowers.

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