HomeHesperis matronalis Alba blooms in early summer with long-stemmed bunches of flowers that are beautiful in the garden or the vase. It looks wonderful with many other perennials. We like to combine it with poppies, lupine, Lychnis 'Feuer' and dracocephalum. The sweetly fragrant flowers attract butterflies. The leaves, flowers and seeds are edible. See this article for how to eat it.
Hesperis matronalis Seeds
Heperis matronalis is a perennial that blooms in early summer with long-stemmed flowers in shades of violet or white. Hardy in zones 3-9.
Sowing Hesperis matronalis Seeds
Sow hesperis seeds outdoors after the last frost date. Or start indoors 6-8 weeks early. Barely cover with soil. Full sun to part shade. Height 4', spacing 12".
Hesperis matronalis Violet is a popular cottage garden plant that blooms in a lovely shade of light violet. The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Hesperis matronalis self-sows readily, but I don't consider it weedy in the garden. The narrow plants fit easily between other plants, making it a great filler. Deadhead the flowers if you don't want more seedlings.
Hesperis matronalis Violet
(Sweet Rocket)
325 seeds $3.25
photo by Richard Laflamme
Hesperis matronalis Alba
(White Sweet Rocket)
200 seeds $3.25
