Cleome Cherry Queen

Cleome hassleriana 'Cherry Queen' Spider Flower 'Cherry Queen'

Tall 1.2m stems topped with large spherical flower heads in vivid carmine-rose, each bloom adorned with extraordinarily long, curling stamens that radiate outward like the legs of a spider or a freeze-framed firework — Cleome is theatrical, architectural, and capable of bringing a flat August border to life like nothing else in the cottage garden.

If a border feels flat in August — when the spring flurry has passed and the autumn chrysanthemums have not yet arrived — Cleome is the solution. Each flower head is a globe of carmine-pink trumpet flowers, but the stamens extend up to 10cm beyond the petals in a spiralling cluster that genuinely resembles a spider at rest, giving the plant its common name. As a Fleuroselect Novelty Winner recognised for exceptional garden performance, 'Cherry Queen' produces this theatrical display from July through to the first frosts, attracts bumblebees by day and moths by evening (releasing a sweet fragrance that is one of the best evening nectar sources for British moth populations), and asks only for sun and warmth in return. Half-hardy annual that grows quickly from seed but requires patience and warmth to start.

A note on growing

Cleome needs warmth at every stage. Sow indoors February to April at 20–25°C — a heated propagator or warm windowsill is essential. Surface-sow as Cleome seeds need light to germinate; do not bury them. Press into the compost surface for good contact. Germination is erratic — some seeds emerge in 10 days, others in 30. This is normal; do not discard the tray after two weeks. Pinch out the growing tip when seedlings are young to encourage branching. Plant out only after all risk of frost has passed (early to mid-June) in full sun and shelter from strong winds. Cleome is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in light, sandy soils.

A note on handling: Cleome stems have small but effective spines at the base of each leaf, similar to rose thorns. They are not dangerous but can scratch bare skin during deadheading or cutting. Wear gloves when handling. The spines also make Cleome impressively deer- and rabbit-resistant.

Where it shines

In the back of cottage borders as a tall architectural feature plant — the 1.2m height gives proper drama at the back of the planting, and the spherical flower heads remain a focal point even when seen from the other side of the garden. As a cut flower for tall, dramatic arrangements (though wear gloves when cutting). In wildlife gardens, where the daytime bee and evening moth value is genuinely exceptional. In containers, where a single specimen plant anchors a mixed planting beautifully. The plant has slightly bare lower stems, so plant something bushy in front to hide its "legs".

Plant alongside

To hide Cleome's bare lower stems, plant Cosmos 'Purity' or Nicotiana for height and softness in front. For colour contrast, the carmine-pink of 'Cherry Queen' against the lime green of Bupleurum 'Griffithii' or Bells of Ireland is extraordinary. For an evening-garden scheme, combine with Nicotiana for matching evening fragrance.