How to Grow Cleome Purple Queen

Cleome Purple Queen

Cleome hassleriana 'Purple Queen'

flower

Cleome Purple Queen is a dramatic annual flowering plant known for its tall, spider-like flower clusters in shades of purple and magenta. It produces distinctive elongated seedpods and feathery foliage, creating a striking vertical accent in gardens. This heat-loving plant blooms prolifically from summer through fall.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates afternoon shade in very hot climates

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Water: Moderate watering; drought-tolerant once established. Water when soil is dry 1 inch below surface. Avoid overwatering, which reduces flowering.

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Spacing: 24 inches

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Days to maturity: 60-70 days to first flowers

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Planting depth: Surface sow or press seeds lightly into soil; do not cover, as seeds need light to germinate

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or sandy soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure for fertility Perlite or coarse sand if soil retains moisture

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives as an annual in zones 2-11; best performance in zones 5-10

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

Growth Stages

Germination & Seedling

2-3 weeks

Seeds sprout within 7-14 days at 70-75°F. Seedlings develop true leaves and a fine taproot system.

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright indirect light. Once true leaves appear, thin seedlings to proper spacing or transplant to individual containers.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops multiple stems and feathery, fern-like foliage. Height increases rapidly, often reaching 3-4 feet.

Support tall varieties with stakes or cages if in windy locations. Reduce watering frequency as root system deepens. Pinching seedlings at 6 inches promotes bushier growth if desired.

Bud Formation

1-2 weeks

Flower buds form at stem terminals, appearing as tight clusters with developing sepals and stamens.

Maintain consistent watering schedule; irregular moisture stresses buds. Continue full sun exposure. Do not fertilize excessively, which delays flowering.

Flowering

8-12 weeks (until frost)

Distinctive purple-magenta spider flower clusters open progressively along spikes. Long stamens extend beyond petals, creating delicate, airy appearance.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Water at soil level to avoid wetting flowers. Flowers are fragrant, especially in evening. Plants may self-seed if flowers go to seed.

Seed Production & Decline

Until frost

Long, thin seedpods mature from flower clusters. Plant withers when temperatures drop below 50°F or at first frost.

Leave pods on plant if you desire self-seeding next year. Collect mature brown pods before frost if storing seeds. Pull entire plant after frost.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Zinnias Rudbeckia Cosmos Sunflowers Salvia Verbena Artemisia Grasses like Fountain grass

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli) may be prone to same pests Densely shaded areas inhibit flowering

Common Pests

Spray with strong water jet to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Ensure adequate humidity and avoid drought stress.
Spray with water or insecticidal soap. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs. Use neem oil for persistent infestations.
Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and reduce populations. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly if needed.
and
Hand-pick early morning or evening. Use slug bait, diatomaceous earth, or copper barriers. Remove leaf debris where they hide.

Uses

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Edible Flowers in Salads

Culinary

The delicate purple flowers are edible with a slightly spicy, peppery flavor reminiscent of nasturtiums. Use fresh petals as garnish in salads or as a decorative addition to desserts. [source]

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Cut Flower Arrangements

Household

The tall flower spikes are striking in fresh arrangements and add height and drama to mixed bouquets. Their long vase life makes them practical for floral design. [source]

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Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

Cleome flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with their nectar and pollen. Planting them supports pollinator populations in gardens. [source]

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Dried Seed Pods

Craft

The long, slender seed pods are attractive in dried arrangements and can be painted or used naturally in craft projects and wreaths. [source]

Harvest Tips

Cleome flowers are best enjoyed as ornamental cut flowers—harvest flower spikes in early morning when they are fully hydrated. Cut stems 12-18 inches long. Flowers last 7-10 days in a vase. For seeds, allow flower clusters to mature into dry brown pods, then collect pods in paper bags and air-dry until seeds are loose.

Fun Facts

🌱 Cleome is sometimes called 'Spider Flower' because its long, protruding stamens resemble spider legs extending from the flower.
🌱 The plant self-seeds readily in warm climates, often returning year after year in the same location without replanting.
🌱 Cleome has a distinctive musky scent that is stronger in the evening and can deter some insects while attracting moths and nocturnal pollinators.

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