Dame's Rocket (Hesperis matronalis)
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Dame’s rocket (Hesperis matronalis) is a tall, short-lived perennial, which produces white, pink or purple flowers in the spring. It is a is a member of the Brassicaceae family of plants, which includes arugula, broccoli, and mustard.Known for its colorful and fragrant blooms, the plant has been a traditional garden favorite. These flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while resisting deer.
Scientific Name: Hesperis matronalis
Also Known As: Garden Rocket, Dame's Violet, Mother-Of-The-Evening, Sweet Rocket
Native Range: Europe to central Asia
Grown as: Herbaceous perennial
Maturity (Blooms): May-August
Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
Water: Medium. Well drained.
Soil Moisture: Medium. Rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil.
Maintenance: Low
Beneficial Insects?: Yes. Attracts Bees, Butterflies, and Hummingbirds as well as being Deer resistant.
Containers?: Yes.
Height: 12-24”
Spacing: 40”
Sow Depth: Press into soil surface.
USDA Zone: 3-9
Produces: numerous individual flowers which have 4 rounded petals that are ¾ to 1 inch across with 6 pale yellow stamens. The color ranges from white to pink to lavender to deep purple.
Garden Uses: Excellent plant for meadows, naturalized areas or cottage gardens. May also be grown in borders, but foliage tends to disappear after flowering, thus necessitating the use of annuals or late-developing perennials to fill in the gaps.
Also Known As: Garden Rocket, Dame's Violet, Mother-Of-The-Evening, Sweet Rocket
Native Range: Europe to central Asia
Grown as: Herbaceous perennial
Maturity (Blooms): May-August
Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
Water: Medium. Well drained.
Soil Moisture: Medium. Rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil.
Maintenance: Low
Beneficial Insects?: Yes. Attracts Bees, Butterflies, and Hummingbirds as well as being Deer resistant.
Containers?: Yes.
Height: 12-24”
Spacing: 40”
Sow Depth: Press into soil surface.
USDA Zone: 3-9
Produces: numerous individual flowers which have 4 rounded petals that are ¾ to 1 inch across with 6 pale yellow stamens. The color ranges from white to pink to lavender to deep purple.
Garden Uses: Excellent plant for meadows, naturalized areas or cottage gardens. May also be grown in borders, but foliage tends to disappear after flowering, thus necessitating the use of annuals or late-developing perennials to fill in the gaps.
Direct sow in early spring, pressing the seed into the surface of the soil; keep it moist until germination. To start indoors, sow the seed on the surface of the soil in a flat; keep the soil moist and at a temperature of 70-75 degrees F until germination, which usually occurs within 21-30 days. Transplant the seedlings after the last chance of frost.
Though this plant tolerates some drought, it will flourish with regular moisture. In its first year of growth, it will produce mostly leaves; full bloom usually occurs in its second year. It does not appreciate excess heat and humidity. This plant will adapt to almost any soil with adequate moisture. This plant self-seeds heavily, and can become very aggressive. To help prevent this, remove the spent flower heads before the seed pods develop; this will also encourage a second blooming. These flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while resisting deer.
For fresh flowers, cut long stems of flowers that have just opened and place them in water immediately; strip the leaves that will fall below the water.
As the flower cluster comes to the end of its blooming, the plant will produce very long, thin green pods that eventually split in half to release mature brown seeds. Remove the pods when as soon as the seed has ripened but before they split, and spread them out to dry away from direct sunlight. Crush or shake them lightly to release the seeds. Store the cleaned seed in a cool, dry place.
Young leaves: raw. Rich in vitamin C, they are used as a cress substitute in salads. A rather bitter flavor, though many people like the extra tang it gives to salads. For culinary purposes, the leaves should be picked before the plant flowers.
Seeds: The seed can be sprouted and added to salads. The seed contains 50% of an edible oil - there is a potential for cultivation.
Seeds: The seed can be sprouted and added to salads. The seed contains 50% of an edible oil - there is a potential for cultivation.
Companion Planting
No companion planting info available.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
An essential oil from the seed is used in perfumery. The plant is cultivated for this purpose.