Hesperis matronalis may not sound familiar, but I'm
sure one of its common names will: Dame's Rocket,
Sweet Rocket, Queen's Gilliflower, Night Scented
Gilliflower, Damask Violet, or Summer Lilac. Dame's
Rocket is probably the most commonly used name. It
is grown because of its appearance, but also for its
ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The
flowers are pretty and fragrant, and often mistaken
for phlox.
This hesperis is edible, but it's not the same variety as
the herb commonly called Rocket, which is used as a
green in salads. Many people think of Dame's Rocket
as a weed or a wildflower, which it is, but when it has
fertile soil and is nurtured it becomes a charming plant
that can be placed in a cottage garden, the back of a
border or in mass groupings on its own. It can easily be
started from seed, or taken from divisions. Dividing the
plants every 2-3 years will keep it flowering nicely.
Locate Dame's Rocket in full sun, or partial shade and
provide standard watering. Once established it's drought
tolerant. Yes, it can be invasive in some locations, but as
I've mentioned with other plants, if you deadhead blooms
before the seed forms you shouldn't have a problem. If
you would like to collect the seed, allow it to dry on the
plant, then collect the seeds, spread to dry further, and
place in envelopes. Direct sow the seed in early spring
or fall.
Dame's Rocket can grow up to 5 foot tall, with a spread
of 2-4 foot, but most of the time it's around 30 inches.The
flowers can be white, pink, purple or magenta, and tend
to be more fragrant in the evening. When grown in the
garden, the stems are more sturdy than in the wild, and
the flowers profuse. It's hardy to Zone 3, and will adapt
to most soils, but doesn't do as well in heavy, clay ground.
Dame's Rocket blooms from June to September, and will
bloom a second time if deadheaded. You will welcome
this plant each year as you discover its ability to attract
butterflies, birds and moths. It does well in many locations,
so it's hard NOT to find a place in your landscape for it!
About the author:
Brenda Hyde is an avid gardener, freelance writer and
editor living in the Midwest with her husband and three
children.
Flower Seed Resources:
-Thompson&Morgan Seeds
-Nature Hills Nursery
-Park Seed
-Monticello Garden Shop
