Hesperis matronalis
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WARNING: LOCALLY INVASIVE SPECIES
Tried and True Recommended by 2 Professionals
Common Name: dame's rocket
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Brassicaceae
Zone: 3 to 8
Native Range: Europe to central Asia
Height: 1 to 3 feet
Spread: 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Time: April to May
Bloom Color: Purple, White
Bloom Description: White, violet
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers, Fragrant Flowers
Wildlife: Attracts Butterflies
Tolerates: Deer
Uses: Cut Flower, Will Naturalize
This plant is listed as an exotic invasive species to Missouri and the Midwest by the Midwest Invasive Plant Network. The species should not be planted in the Midwest.

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best in part shade in hot summer climates. A short-lived perennial or biennial that remains in the garden for years as a result of prolific self-seeding. Prompt removal of spent flowers may encourage a second flush of bloom. Plants can become woody at the base and persist for a number of years, but are best replaced with new seedlings. Easily grown from seed.

Noteworthy Characteristics

An upright, multi-branched, short-lived perennial or biennial which typically grows 2-3' tall (less frequently to 4'). Features white, lavender or purple, 1/2", 4-petaled flowers in loose, terminal racemes which bloom in late spring. Flowers are very fragrant, particularly in the evening (Hesperis comes from the Greek word for evening). Serrate, ovate to lance-shaped, dark green foliage. Native to Eurasia, but has naturalized in many areas of eastern North America as a garden escapee.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Excellent plant for meadows, naturalized areas or cottage gardens. May also be grown in borders, but foliage tends to disappear after flowering, thus necessitating the use of annuals or late-developing perennials to fill in the gaps.

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