Cleome hassleriana 'Violet Queen'

spider flower

• Position: full sun
• Soil: preferably a light, sandy soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July to September
• Hardiness: half-hardy annual
  
  Eyecatching and strongly-scented, the deep violet flowers and palm-like leaves of this beautiful plant will add a tropical look to the late summer garden. Great for adding vertical interest to a perennial border, the spidery flowers will also make attractive cut flowers. The seed heads can be dried and added to bouquets, too.
  
  
• Garden care:For early flowers, sow under glass in late winter or spring. Plant seeds approximately 1cm deep in a seed tray containing good compost and keep warm. When large enough to handle, pot on and harden off before planting outside. Alternatively sow thinly outside in a sunny bed after all risk of frost has passed. Thin to 45cm as they grow on. Avoid over-watering and dead-head regularly to keep the plants producing more flowers. Protect them from strong winds and frosts.
  
  
• Sow: February-June
  
  
• Flowering: July-September
  
  
• Approximate quantity: 125 seeds.