About
Hesperis matronalis, dame's violet, is a rosette-forming biennial or short-lived perennial with leafy stems to around 90 cm. Loose clusters of white or pale to mid-purple, sweetly scented flowers appear in late spring and early summer � the fragrance is most pronounced in the evening. A classic cottage-garden plant, free-seeding freely to naturalise in borders and woodland edges.
About the genus
Hesperis are biennials and perennials in the mustard family (Brassicaceae) producing loose clusters of four-petalled, fragrant, purple, cream or white flowers in late spring and early summer. Classic cottage-garden plants that self-seed freely.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope to Asia
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained neutral or alkaline soil in sun or semi-shade. Replace every two to three years as flowering diminishes with age
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in situ
Pest resistanceCabbage caterpillars, flea beetles, slugs and snails may be a problem
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a virus or powdery mildews