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Dame�s Rocket

Herbaceous Biennial Flower, Wildflower

Also known as Sweet Rocket, Dame's Violet, Wild Phlox
Hesperis matronalis
Brassicaceae Family

This attractive non-native has phlox-like purple or white flowers. It is a biennial, but behaves like a perennial because it is an aggressive reseeder. Some consider it an invasive species, especially in wet sites with rich soil.

	Site and Plant Characteristics
	Growing Information
	Varieties

Site Characteristics

Sunlight:

full sun
part shade

Prefers part shade.

Soil conditions:

requires well-drained soil

Prefers rich, moist but well-drained soil with neutral to alkaline pH.

Hardiness zones:

4 to 9

May be marginally hardy in Zone 3.

Plant Traits

Lifecycle: biennial

Biennial or short-lived perennial. Behaves like a perennial due to aggressive reseeding.

Ease-of-care: easy

Height: 2 to 3 feet

Spread: 1.5 to 2 feet

Bloom time:

late spring
early summer

Flower color:

violet
white

Foliage color: medium green

Foliage texture: medium

Shape: upright

Shape in flower: flower stalks with upright spikes

Flowers borne in dense clusters above the foliage.

Special Considerations

Special characteristics:

aggressive - Self-sows prolifically.
invasive - Has naturalized in North America and is now commonly considered a wildflower. Considered a noxious weed by New York State.
not native to North America - Native to Europe east to Siberia and China.
fragrant

Attracts:

beneficial insects - Flowers attract moths.

Special uses:

cut flowers - Double-flowered varieties in particular.
wildflowers

Growing Information

How to plant:

Propagate by seed, cuttings, division or separation - Start the seeds outdoors where desired at any time from spring until two months before the first heavy fall frost. Do not cover, as light aids germination.
Propagate double-flowered forms by division or terminal cuttings.

Days to emergence: 21 to 28

Maintenance and care:

Cut back to basal foliage after flowers fade to prevent self-seeding.
May require staking.
Keep soil moist but not soggy.
More growing information: How to Grow Perennials

Pests:

Flea beetles
Slugs and snails

Diseases:

Viruses
Mildew

Varieties

var. albiflora - White flowers. Breeds true if isolated from plants with colored flowers.
var. albiflora 'Alba Plena' - White double flowers on 1 � to 2� tall plants.
'Lilacina Flore Pleno' - Double lilac flowers.
'Purpurea Pleno' - Double purple flowers.