Spider Flower
Cleome hassleriana 'Rose Queen'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Annual
Height
54 inches
Width
21 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to Medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
South America
Toxicity
Can cause skin irritation.
The Story
Plant Bio
An upright annual with palmately compound leaves and sturdy, sometimes spiny stems. Produces large, airy racemes of intricate flowers with long, protruding stamens, creating a spidery effect. Tolerates heat and drought once established. 'Rose Queen' is a classic heirloom cultivar prized for its large, fragrant flower heads in a vibrant rose-pink color. It is a tall, vigorous grower, making an excellent 'thriller' in container designs or a back-of-the-border statement.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil early spring for best germination.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity during rooting.
- Transplant seedlings when they reach 4 inches tall and the risk of frost has passed.
- Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
- Pinch back the stems to encourage bushier growth during early summer.
- Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming period.
Pro Tip
Ensure well-draining soil and full sun for vibrant blooms and healthy plants.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
- Prune to shape and remove dead or damaged stems
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizers late in the season
- Refrain from disturbing roots during flowering period
- Never leave plants in soggy soil
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Pinch | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Spider Flower questions
What zones can Spider Flower grow in?
Spider Flower is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Spider Flower deer resistant?
Yes — Spider Flower is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Spider Flower bloom?
Spider Flower typically blooms in summer to fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Spider Flower need full sun?
Spider Flower does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Spider Flower drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Spider Flower handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow Spider Flower with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
