Annuals

Cleome houtteana 'Violet Queen'

Violet Queen spider flower

Queen Violet (Violet Queen) spider flower, photo courtesy of Ball Horticultural Company; Propagation is prohibited.

Airy violet-purple flower clusters and long, whisker-like stamens rise above tall leafy stems. Violet Queen adds height without looking heavy, making it useful behind shorter annuals or in a cottage-style border. Leave room for its branching growth and developing seedpods.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun
Mature size: 3–5 ft. tall × Up to 1 ft. 6 in. wide
Water: Moderate; well-drained soil
Bloom: Violet-purple; summer into fall
Life cycle: Annual

Sizes & prices

4.5$5.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Generally resistant; not browse-proof.
Drought: Some tolerance once established.
Wet soil: Avoid poorly drained soil.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Evidence: Species-level guidance; cultivar habitat value varies.

Seasonal interest

Garden uses: Back of borders, cottage gardens and seasonal screening.
Habit: Tall and upright.

Growing & care

Pruning: Remove seedpods before they ripen if you want to reduce self-sowing.
Planting: Plant outdoors after frost; allow room for branching.
Handling: Wear gloves when handling prickly stems.

Sources & photo credits

Royal Horticultural Society

Johnsons Seeds

NC State Extension

Photo: Queen Violet (Violet Queen) spider flower, photo courtesy of Ball Horticultural Company; resized for web without enlargement. · Ball customer promotional-use photo license

Image notes: Queen Violet (Violet Queen) spider flower, photo courtesy of Ball Horticultural Company; resized for web without enlargement. Propagation is prohibited.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.