Sow Cleome hassleriana 'Violet Queen'
UK subscribers to Gardens Illustrated will have received a packet of Cleome hassleriana 'Violet Queen' seeds with the March issue. Now is the perfect time to plant them.
A tall, elegant, half-hardy annual with rich violet-purple flowers, produced from summer into autumn, that rise delicately above aromatic palmate foliage. Looks stunning in cut flower displays. The seedheads can be dried and added to arrangements too.
Advice for sowing
Sow thinly in trays of seed compost and cover with a fine layer of soil. Firm gently and keep moist. Cover tray with glass, polythene or propagator and leave to germinate at 15-20°C.
Remove cover when seedlings appear and pot on when large enough to handle. Stand outside for a few days in May to harden off (avoiding frosts). Plant out in flowering position 60cm apart. Prefers moist but well drained soil in a sunny, sheltered position. May need staking as it grows to a height of 1.2m.
Flowers July to October.
Seed packet illustration by Hannah McVicar
Summer sale! 3 issues for £5
Try 3 issues of Gardens Illustrated today for just £5. Subscribe today and enjoy beautiful places, top planting ideas and expert advice for your garden. *Offer ends 1st July 2022. This offer is only available to UK residents paying by Direct Debit
Sponsored Deals
Container Gardening Special Edition
The Gardens Illustrated Guide to Container Gardening. In this special edition, discover colourful flower combinations and seasonal planting schemes for pots designed by leading plantspeople, and essential know-how for container gardening success. Just £9.99 inc UK p&p
Gardens of the Globe
Discover some of the most glorious gardens from around the world.Find out more
By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
