Cleome 'Rose Queen' is a beautiful variety with deep, rose-pink flowers that fade to light pink, creating a two-tone effect. Despite it’s recent revival in popularity it is actually an “heirloom” flower, having been grown in English gardens since 1817.

The large, open, airy flowers have a strong scent bloom throughout the summer until frosts. The flowers are followed by spidery seed pods. Plant at the back of the border or use then as accent plants in large tubs for an exotic feel. The long flowering period extends throughout summer and well into autumn.

Frost and cold winds are lethal to this elegant South American annual.If you wish to start them early in the year, do so under glass and only plant out after the danger of frosts has passed - obey these simple rules, and the rest is easy, despite its exotic appearance.

Sowing: Sow indoors in Feb to April or outdoors in May
Either sow indoors 4 to 6 weeks before last frost, or sow directly where they are to flower after all danger of frost has passed

Sowing Indoors:
Sow seeds into 9cm (3½in) pots, at a depth of 6 to 12 mm (¼ to ½in) containing a multipurpose compost and keep at 18*C (64*F). Seedlings will appear in 10 to 14 days.
Grow on in a warm position: indoors a conservatory or warm greenhouse.
Pot on into 12cm (5in) pots in early May and harden off for 10 to14 days before planting after the last frosts.

Sowing Direct:
Prepare the ground beforehand and sow seeds thinly, up to 6 to 12 mm (¼ to ½in) deep. Water well.
When the seedlings are 2.5cm (1in) tall thin to 45cm (18in) apart.

Cultivation:
Feed plants fortnightly with liquid feed from a handheld applicator. Don’t allow the compost to become over wet.
Deadheading will promote further flowering. Remove plants completely at the end of the season, but wear gloves for protection, since the stems are spiny.

Plant Uses:
Architectural or Flowers Borders and Beds.