Hesperis tristis
melancholy gentlemen
Rosette-forming perennial plant about 50cm tall, with leafy stems producing narrow, oblong grey-green leaves, and upright stems bearing loose clusters of fragrant, pale greenish-yellow flowers with dark red markings, in late spring
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow Red | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming, Tufted
- Genus
Hesperis are biennials and perennials with loose clusters of four-petalled, fragrant, purple, cream or white flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C & S Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in sun or part shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in situ or propagate by basal softwood cuttings in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back spent flowered spikes
Pests
May be susceptible to cabbage caterpillars, flea beetles, slugs and snails
Diseases
May be susceptible to a virus or Powdery mildews
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.