Classic Cleome
Cleome hassleriana, a.k.a. spider flower, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Cleome of the family Cleomaceae, native to southern South America in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and southeast Brazil. In the vast sea of annuals, Cleome is my favorite, as it thrives in full sun and most varieties will reach heights of 4 to 6 feet. Older varieties are very attractive when used as background plants for shorter, sun-loving flowers. The Queen series includes the cultivars Violet Queen, Rose Queen and White Queen. The cultivar Helen Campbell has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
When Cleome seeds are started indoors, I found it best to cover them with only a mere whisper of soil. Use peat pots and plant Cleome ever so gently when they’re ready because this particular annual does not like to be disturbed. Once planted, Cleome will faithfully reseed itself year after year. However, there are newer cultivars, some in dwarf varieties, which may not produce next year’s flowers as the seeds are sterile. To ensure germination some gardeners will stratify (chill at 40 degrees for a few days) cleome seeds before planting. Bordering a vegetable garden with flowers of your choice will add interest. My photo shows a parade of White Queens flanking our organic vegetable garden. As I gaze in Cleome’s direction, the huge flower heads appear to be merrily dancing in the breeze. If you appreciate elegant charm, as I do, Cleome is the annual for you to plant. PLUS, they seriously attract common pollinating insects like bees and butterflies.
Ref. Wikipedia.