Pink Queen: A Spidery Beauty for Your Summer Garden
Looking for a dramatic annual that’ll add some serious wow-factor to your garden? Meet the Pink Queen, also known as spider flower or spider plant (Cleome hassleriana). This eye-catching beauty gets its quirky common names from its distinctive flowers that feature long, spider-like stamens extending from delicate pink blooms. Don’t worry though – despite the arachnid associations, this plant is all about bringing charm and pollinators to your outdoor space!
What Exactly Is Pink Queen?
Pink Queen is an annual herb that belongs to the cleome family. This South American native has made itself at home across much of North America, from Canada down to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. You’ll find it growing in states from Alabama to Wisconsin, thriving as a non-native species that’s established itself quite comfortably in our gardens and wild spaces.
As an annual, Pink Queen completes its entire life cycle in one growing season, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s delicate. This forb (that’s gardener-speak for a non-woody plant) can put on quite a show during its time in your garden.
Why Gardeners Love (and Sometimes Question) Pink Queen
Here’s the scoop on why you might want to invite Pink Queen into your garden – and why you might want to think twice:
The Good Stuff:
- Spectacular summer-to-fall blooms that attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds
- Drought tolerant once established, making it perfect for low-maintenance gardens
- Great for cottage gardens, cutting gardens, and annual borders
- Self-seeds readily, giving you free plants for next year (if you want them!)
- Impressive height makes it perfect as a background plant
Things to Consider:
- As a non-native species, it doesn’t provide the same ecological benefits as native plants
- Can self-seed aggressively in some areas
- May need staking in windy locations due to its height
Growing Conditions That Make Pink Queen Happy
Pink Queen is surprisingly easygoing when it comes to growing conditions. This adaptable annual thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, though it can handle a variety of soil types. Its wetland status varies by region – in most areas, it prefers upland conditions but can tolerate some moisture.
The plant performs well in USDA hardiness zones 2-11 as an annual, preferring warm weather and showing its best colors when temperatures heat up. Once established, it’s quite drought tolerant, making it a smart choice for water-wise gardening.
Planting and Care Tips
Getting Pink Queen started is straightforward, whether you’re beginning from seed or transplants:
Starting from Seed:
- Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last frost date
- Direct sow outdoors after soil has warmed and frost danger has passed
- Seeds need light to germinate, so barely cover them with soil
Care and Maintenance:
- Water regularly during establishment, then reduce as the plant becomes drought tolerant
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering
- Provide support or staking for taller varieties in windy locations
- Allow some flowers to go to seed if you want self-seeding for next year
Pollinator Paradise
One of Pink Queen’s strongest selling points is its ability to attract pollinators. The nectar-rich flowers are magnets for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds throughout the growing season. The long blooming period – from summer through fall – provides a reliable food source when many other flowers are fading.
Design Ideas and Garden Companions
Pink Queen works beautifully as a background plant in annual borders, where its height (typically 3-4 feet) creates a dramatic backdrop for shorter plants. It’s also perfect for cottage-style gardens, where its informal, slightly wild appearance fits right in.
Consider pairing it with other heat-loving annuals like zinnias, marigolds, or cosmos. For a more naturalistic look, combine it with ornamental grasses or other tall, airy plants.
A Note on Native Alternatives
While Pink Queen is a lovely garden addition, consider incorporating native alternatives that provide even greater ecological benefits. Look for native cleome species in your region, or explore native wildflowers that offer similar height and pollinator appeal, such as wild bergamot, joe pye weed, or native asters, depending on your location.
The Bottom Line
Pink Queen is a garden performer that delivers drama, pollinator appeal, and relatively easy care. While it’s not a native species, it’s not considered invasive or problematic either. If you’re looking for a reliable annual that’ll fill space, attract beneficial insects, and provide cutting flowers, Pink Queen might just earn a spot in your garden lineup. Just remember to balance non-native choices with plenty of native plants to create a truly wildlife-friendly landscape!
