About

Cleome houtteana 'Violet Queen' is a half-hardy annual that produces clusters of violet blooms atop tall stems during the summer months, with seedheads appearing among the flowers.

About the genus

Cleome are annual plants characterized by upright stems that support palmately divided foliage. They produce terminal racemes featuring flowers with four petals and prominent stamens.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H2

Plant details

Plant type
Annual Biennial, Bedding
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
1-1.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
1-2 years
Fragrance
Foliage

Care notes

Cultivation
Best grown in sandy or well-drained soil in a warm, sunny spot as a cut flower or border infill
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free, but may be susceptible to caterpillar attack
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free