Hesperis matronalis var. albiflora
Sweet rocket, Dame's violet, Damask violet
Also known as Hesperis matronalis 'Alba', Hesperis matronalis white
- Height × spread
- 0.9m × 0.6m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A stalwart of the cottage garden which flowers from late spring to early summer. Upright stems carry long hairy leaves and, at the top, heads of simple four-petalled white flowers that are deliciously fragrant and popular with bees and other insects. It is perennial, though short-lived but is well able to set seed. The flowers can be cut and brought into the house. The plant is very similar in its appearance to Honesty (Lunaria forms) and is also similar to Phlox paniculata and maculata.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, spicy-cloves
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 0.9m
- Spread
- 0.6m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Wild flower meadow, Shady court, Herb garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, Butterfly attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring · Planting
Divide every other year
The plant can be divided in alternate years. Clumps may be divided into two or more pieces. Rhizomes can be cut whilst small bulbs or offsets are detached. The new plants can be grown in a container or planted in the ground.