Cleome Cherry Queen

The spider flower — and one of the most architectural annuals you can grow. Cleome Cherry Queen produces large, airy flower heads in deep cherry-pink with long, spidery stamens that give the plant its common name, rising on tall, self-supporting stems to 90–120cm and providing a dramatic, exotic presence in the border from midsummer to the first frosts.

Outstanding for long-tongued bumblebees and hummingbird hawk-moths. Self-seeds reliably once established.

• Cleome hassleriana 'Cherry Queen' — Half-Hardy Annual (H2)
• Height: 90–120cm | Flowers: July–first frost
• Sow indoors March–April at 20°C; surface sow — needs light
• Full sun; well-drained soil — plant out June only
• Self-seeds freely once established
• Outstanding long-tongued bumblebee and hawk-moth plant

Grow it at the back of a hot border with Tithonia Goldfinger and Zinnia Giants of California for a tropical-feeling late-summer display.