Hesperis matronalis
Sweet rocket, Dame's Violet, Damask violet
Also known as Hesperis violet
- Height × spread
- 1.2m × 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
This old garden favourite has flowers of various colours from white to dark-lilac, held on branching stems. There are many cultivars. The plant becomes woody after a few years and is best replaced at regular intervals. It is grown for its scent, generally described as clove-like, which is particularly pronounced in the evening.
- Flower colour
- Purple, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, spicy-cloves
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 1.2m
- Spread
- 0.6m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Wild flower meadow, Shady court, Scented garden, Herb garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal), Poor soil, Sandy soil
- 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.