My garden, alive in my pocket.
Track my garden
🌿

Dame's rocket

Hesperis matronalis · Brassicaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant dame's rocket: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Flowering
April to June, white, pink or mauve flowers depending on varieties
Adult size
60 to 100 cm in height, 40 to 60 cm in spread
Foliage
Deciduous, medium green, lanceolate
Growth
Fast to moderate
Hardiness
Very hardy, down to -15 °C
Origin
Central and Eastern Europe
Soil type
Well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic

Care

Light exposure

Plant dame's rocket in full sun or partial shade. It prefers a bright location with at least 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight daily for generous flowering. In dense shade, flowering becomes sparse and the plant becomes leggy.

Soil

Prepare soil rich in organic matter, well-drained and slightly acidic. Adding well-decomposed compost at planting time improves structure and fertility. Avoid compacted or constantly wet soils, which cause root rot.

Watering

Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. During active growth (spring), increase frequency. Reduce watering after flowering. In dry summers, water two to three times weekly if rainfall is insufficient.

Fertilization

Apply mature compost or balanced fertilizer in spring when growth resumes. Add a gentle fertilizer boost in May, before peak flowering, to stimulate better flower production. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.

Pruning and maintenance

Pinch young plants at the 4-6 leaf stage to encourage branching. After flowering, remove spent flowers to extend the blooming period. At season's end, cut stems to ground level. Dame's rocket self-seeds naturally: leave a few flowers to go to seed if you want self-sowing.

Pests and diseases

Watch for flea beetles, small jumping insects that riddle leaves with tiny holes. Use protective netting or preventive soap-based treatment. Powdery mildew can appear in overly dry conditions: improve air circulation and increase watering at the base. Downy mildew in wet, poorly-drained soil warrants better ventilation.

Did you know?

Dame's rocket owes its romantic name to the Greek 'Hespéris' (evening star) because its flowers release a sweet, intense and delicious fragrance, especially in late afternoon and evening. This natural fragrance made it a prized flower in Victorian English gardens. Long ago, it was cultivated near homes to beautify cottage gardens and perfume summer evenings.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

Add this plant to my garden →

Plants from the same family

Browse all plants →

Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.