What hardiness zones is Hesperis matronalis suitable for?

Hesperis matronalis is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

What are the sun requirements for Hesperis matronalis?

Hesperis matronalis requires Part Sun.

How much water does Hesperis matronalis need?

Hesperis matronalis has Low water needs.

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Perennials

Hesperis matronalis

dame's rocket

BrassicaceaeEurope, Asia

At a Glance

TypeBiennial

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height24–48 inches (60–120 cm)

Width12–18 inches (30–45 cm)

Maturity1 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 9

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Drought Tolerant

Fragrant (strong)

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Hesperis matronalis, commonly called dame's rocket or sweet rocket, is a biennial or short-lived perennial in the family Brassicaceae, native to Eurasia from Europe east through the Caucasus and central Asia to Siberia. Long cultivated as an ornamental cottage garden plant for its fragrant flowers, it has become naturalized across much of North America, including the Pacific Northwest, where it is considered an invasive species in many states and provinces; it is listed as a noxious weed in several U.S. states. Plants grow 24–48 inches (60–120 cm) tall with upright, branching, hairy stems and alternately arranged, lance-shaped, toothed leaves. In late spring to early summer, terminal racemes of four-petaled flowers in white, pink, or lavender-purple are produced in abundance, releasing a sweet, clove-like fragrance — particularly intense in the evening. The flower structure (four petals in a cross) identifies dame's rocket as a member of the mustard family; it is commonly confused with garden phlox (Phlox paniculata), which has five petals and opposite leaves. Self-seeds prolifically; deadheading before seed set is essential in Pacific Northwest gardens to prevent naturalization in wild areas. Given its invasive status in the region, planting should be considered carefully.

Native Range

Native to Eurasia, from Europe (Britain, France, Italy, the Balkans) east through Turkey, the Caucasus, and Central Asia to Siberia. The species grows in hedgerows, woodland margins, damp meadows, and disturbed ground in moist, moderately fertile soils. Widely naturalized across North America, including the Pacific Northwest, where it escapes cultivation into roadsides, open woodland, and riparian habitats.

Suggested Uses

Dame's rocket provides attractive late-spring color and evening fragrance in cottage-style gardens, informal borders, and wildflower meadow plantings. The flowers attract butterflies, bees, and moths, and the seed pods provide some wildlife value. However, due to its invasive status in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia, planting in gardens adjacent to natural areas, roadsides, or waterways is strongly discouraged. Where it is used, consistent deadheading before seed set and removal of all self-sown seedlings are essential. Students studying invasive species, plant identification, or Brassicaceae plant family characteristics will find it a useful teaching specimen.

How to Identify

Dame's rocket is identified by its upright, branching, hairy stems 24–48 inches (60–120 cm) tall and alternately arranged, lance-shaped leaves with toothed margins. The four-petaled flowers — characteristic of all members of the mustard family — are arranged in elongating terminal racemes in white, pink, or lavender-purple, typically 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) across. The four-petaled flower structure distinguishes it from superficially similar garden phlox, which has five petals and opposite leaves. All parts emit a sweet, clove-like fragrance, strongest in the evening. Long, narrow seed pods (siliques) develop after bloom.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 4'

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

pink

purple

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

SpringSummer

Dame's rocket blooms in late spring to early summer, typically May through July in Pacific Northwest gardens, with peak display in May and June. The terminal racemes extend and continue to open over four to six weeks, producing an extended floral display. The fragrance is most pronounced in the evening. Plants are biennial or short-lived perennials that flower in their second year; they self-seed prolifically. Deadhead before seed pods mature to prevent spread into natural areas.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White, pink, or lavender-purple

Foliage Description

Mid-green, lance-shaped, toothed, hairy

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamclaysand

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1–2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Dame's rocket is adaptable to a wide range of soils in full sun to partial shade and requires minimal care once established. However, given its invasive status in Pacific Northwest natural areas — particularly riparian corridors and open woodland — diligent deadheading before seed set is essential. The plant self-sows prolifically from a single plant; any seedlings in unwanted locations should be removed when small. Plants are drought-tolerant once established but produce best displays with moderate moisture. No fertilization is required on average soils. Dispose of deadheaded material in the garbage, not the compost, to prevent viable seed dispersal.

Pruning

Deadhead spent racemes promptly — before seed pods ripen and split — to prevent prolific self-seeding and spread into natural areas. This is the most critical management task for this plant in Pacific Northwest gardens. The species does not require any other pruning. Plants may be cut to the ground after flowering; they may produce new basal growth and flower again the following year, or they may complete their biennial life cycle and die. Remove entire plants that have set seed and dispose of them in the garbage.

Pruning Schedule

summer

Maintenance Level

moderate

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic