About
Rosette-forming perennial plant about 50cm tall, with leafy stems producing narrow, oblong grey-green leaves, and upright stems bearing loose clusters of scented, pale greenish-yellow flowers with dark red markings, in late spring.
About the genus
Hesperis are biennials and perennials with loose clusters of four-petalled, fragrant, purple, cream or white flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Tufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toC & S Europe
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in sun or part shade
PruningCut back spent flowered spikes
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in situ or propagate by basal softwood cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to cabbage caterpillars, flea beetles, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a virus or Powdery mildews