Cleome spinosa Violet Queen Seeds - Spider Plant

Cleome spinosa 'Violet Queen' is a superb variety from the 'Queen' series. The delicate, spider-like blooms flower for a long period of time in a rich, deep violet-purple hue. This fast-growing, vigorous plant brings volume and height to summer bedding schemes. It is also suitable for growing in pots. Sow early under cover, making sure to provide the plants with light, fertile, free-draining soil and a sunny position.

Cleome 'Violet Queen' is selected from Cleome hassleriana (or spinosa), a semi-hardy plant native to subtropical regions of Southern America. It belongs to the Capparaceae or caper family and can be found growing in wastelands and on slopes at a low altitude in various parts of the world. 'Violet Queen' quickly forms an erect bushy clump of 1 m tall and 40 cm wide. Large, dark green palmate leaves are borne on rough, hairy stems. They are divided into 5-7 long, stalked, sharp leaflets. The flowering period is particularly long, beginning in May and lasting until October. The inflorescences are unique, remarkable by their architecture and gracefulness. They are borne on long petioles and gathered on seemingly fuzzy, lightly scented terminal spikes. Each flower is made up of 4 petals narrowing into pedicels at their base, with stamens and very long styles extending well beyond the corolla. The flowers develop and bloom in succession, from the bottom of the flower spike upwards. They are followed by original, long and slender pods (6 to 12 cm) that hang from the stalks like spiders’ legs, hence the name “spider plant”. Flowers and fruits sometimes appear simultaneously on the same plant.

Cleomes are among the most eye-catching annual flowers. For a beautiful effect, grow one or several different varieties in the middle of flower beds and borders, combined with Pennisetum. They can also be planted en masse with other tall summer flowering plants (Dahlias, cosmos, Verbena bonariensis, Oriental poppies), acting as a great space filler whilst maintaining a lovely light and airy appearance. This variety may require staking or growing in front of well-branched shrubs for extra support. For an exotic look, pair with tibouchina or alogyne in pots or containers.