Hesperis matronalis
dame's violet
A rosette-forming biennial, or short-lived perennial, with leafy stems growing to around 90cm. Loose clusters of white, or pale to mid-purple, scented flowers appear in late spring and early summer
Other common names
close sciencesdamask
see moredamask violet
dame's rocket
dame's wort
double rocket
garden rocket
night rocket
night violet
night-scented violet
queen's gilliflower
rocket
rogue's gilliflower
summer lilac
sweet rocket
white rocket
winter gilliflower
Synonyms
Hesperis matronalis violet
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Hesperis are biennials and perennials with loose clusters of four-petalled, fragrant, purple, cream or white flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe to Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow 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
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in situ
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
Cabbage caterpillars, flea beetles, slugs and snails may be a problem
Diseases
May be affected by 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.