How to Grow Cleome Rose Queen

Cleome Rose Queen

Cleome hassleriana 'Rose Queen'

flower

Cleome 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.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade but produces fewer flowers

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Water: Moderate watering; water regularly during establishment and dry spells. Drought-tolerant once established. Avoid overwatering, which can reduce flowering and encourage fungal issues.

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Spacing: 18 inches

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Days to maturity: 60-90 days from seed 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 Peat moss or coconut coir Perlite for drainage Balanced fertilizer

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-11; performs best in warm climates (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

7-14 days

Tiny 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 weeks

Young 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 weeks

Tall 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 frost

Flowers 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:

Zinnias Cosmos Salvia Marigolds Dusty Miller Ornamental grasses Rosemary Lavender Verbena Sunflowers

Avoid planting near:

Root crops (they may compete) Dense shade-lovers

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

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Edible Flowers for Garnish

Culinary

Cleome 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]

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Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements

Craft

The 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]

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Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

Cleome is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens and supporting local ecosystems. [source]

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Garden Structure & Design

Household

The tall, dramatic form of Cleome Rose Queen provides excellent vertical interest and background screening in garden borders, cottage gardens, and mixed perennial beds. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Uses

Medicinal

In 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.

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