How to Grow Cleome Rose Queen
Wikimedia Commons
Cleome Rose Queen
Cleome hassleriana 'Rose Queen'
flowerCleome Rose Queen is a tall, dramatic annual flowering plant known for its distinctive spider-like pink flowers clustered in dense spikes. This cultivar produces vibrant rose-pink blossoms that attract pollinators and create striking vertical interest in gardens. It's a heat-loving, self-seeding plant that thrives in warm seasons and is often used as a backdrop in borders.
When should you plant Cleome Rose Queen in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Cleome Rose Queen timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Cleome Rose Queen
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Cleome Rose Queen blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Cleome Rose Queen dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11; performs best in warm climates (zones 5-10)
Sign up free to see if Cleome Rose Queen grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Cleome Rose Queen timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
7-14 daysTiny seedlings emerge with first true leaves; very delicate and small
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bottom heat (70-75°F) for best germination. Thin seedlings when 1-2 inches tall to prevent crowding.
Seedling to Transplant
3-4 weeksYoung plants develop deeper root systems and 2-4 pairs of true leaves; grows rapidly in warm conditions
Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Water when soil surface feels dry. Begin fertilizing with diluted liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksTall stems and branching stems develop with abundant foliage; plant reaches 3-4 feet in height
Pinch back tops when plants are 12-18 inches tall to encourage bushier form and more flowering stems. Provide support stakes for tall varieties in windy locations. Continue regular watering.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (or until frost)Dense spikes of rose-pink spider-like flowers appear at stem tips and branch tips; flowers continue opening progressively from bottom to top
Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage continued blooming. Maintain consistent watering. Apply balanced or bloom-promoting fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Attract bees and other pollinators.
Seed Development
Continues through season until frostFlowers fade and elongated seed pods form below opening flowers; plant may self-seed prolifically
Allow some flowers to remain on plant if you want self-seeding for next year. Collect seed pods when they turn brown and papery for intentional propagation. Clean up self-seeded seedlings if not desired.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove heavily infested leaves; encourage beneficial insects
-
Increase humidity by misting; spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil for severe infestations
-
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
-
Hand-pick if few; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); row covers during early growth
Uses
Edible Flowers for Garnish
CulinaryCleome flowers are edible and can be used to garnish salads and desserts, adding a delicate, slightly peppery flavor and dramatic visual appeal to culinary presentations. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
CraftThe tall, architectural flower spikes make Cleome excellent for fresh cut flower arrangements and bouquets, providing height and unique texture that complements other garden flowers. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeCleome is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens and supporting local ecosystems. [source]
Garden Structure & Design
HouseholdThe tall, dramatic form of Cleome Rose Queen provides excellent vertical interest and background screening in garden borders, cottage gardens, and mixed perennial beds. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalIn some traditional medicine systems, Cleome species have been used to support immune function and as an anti-inflammatory agent, 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
Cleome is grown for flowers, not harvest in the culinary sense. Cut stems of flowers for fresh bouquets when the spike has several open flowers and many buds above. Cut in early morning for longest vase life (7-10 days). For seed collection, allow flower spikes to dry on the plant, then harvest brown papery seed pods and store in cool, dry place.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Cleome Rose Queen is also called 'Spider Flower' because of the distinctive spider-leg-like stamens that extend far beyond the petals, creating a delicate, otherworldly appearance.
- 🌱 This plant is prolific self-seeder, often returning year after year in gardens from dropped seeds, making it an economical choice for gardeners who allow controlled self-seeding.
- 🌱 Cleome was named by botanists from the Greek word 'kleio,' and the plant has been cultivated in gardens since the 18th century, prized for its dramatic, exotic appearance.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Cleome Rose Queen planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Cleome Rose Queen seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Cleome Rose Queen timeline →