Hesperis tristis

RHS Plant Profile
melancholy gentlemen

Other common names

night-scented stock

Herbaceous Perennial

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Brassicaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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