Overview
Hesperis matronalis is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Hesperis, part of the Brassicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Hesperis matronalis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH.
About
Hesperis matronalis is an herbaceous flowering plant species in the family Brassicaceae. It has numerous common names, including dame's rocket, damask-violet, dame's-violet, dames-wort, dame's gilliflower, night-scented gilliflower, queen's gilliflower, rogue's gilliflower, sweet rocket, and mother-of-the-evening. These plants are biennials or short-lived perennials, native to Eurasia and cultivated in many other areas of the world for their attractive, spring-blooming flowers. In some of those areas, it has escaped from cultivation and become a weed species. It grows to around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates alkaline and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hesperis matronalis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hesperis
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
Plant details
Hesperis matronalis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hesperis matronalis?
Hesperis matronalis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Hesperis matronalis need?
Hesperis matronalis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Hesperis matronalis grow?
Hesperis matronalis reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
More in the Hesperis genus
- Hesperis
- Hesperis laciniata
- Hesperis matronalis 'Cally Dwarf' (d)
- Hesperis matronalis 'Lilacina Flore Pleno' (d)
- Hesperis matronalis 'Variegata' (v)
- Hesperis sibirica
- Hesperis bicuspidataviolet-flowered rocket
- Hesperis matronalis var. albiflora 'Alba Plena' (d)
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