Hesperis matronalis
sweet rocket
Sweet rocket is most at home in an informal herbaceous border, or when left to naturalise in a wildlife-friendly garden. The deliciously scented, pale lilac flowers form in loose clusters and are attractive to bees and other beneficial insects.
The perfume of Hesperis matronalis will fill the air late spring and early summer evenings. They are also edible and look great sprinkled over salads. Although relatively short-lived, it self-seeds freely.
The perfume of Hesperis matronalis will fill the air late spring and early summer evenings. They are also edible and look great sprinkled over salads. Although relatively short-lived, it self-seeds freely.
How to care for Hesperis matronalis:
Pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushier growth and keep well watered. Feed with a good, high potash fertiliser (such as Tomorite) on a regular basis throughout summer. Dead-heading regularly will help prolong the flowering season, but if you want them to self-seed, allow some of the seed heads to develop fully.
Sowing instructions:
Sow seed where it is to grow in late spring, after the worst of the frosts have passed. Prepare the bed well first and then surface sow, thinning the seedlings out as they grow to allow 30cm between each plant.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.9m
Eventual spread:
0.45m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
approx 500 seeds
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