Hesperis matronalis aka Dame's Violet

Taxonomy

Hesperis matronalis, also known as dame's rocket, damask-violet, sweet rocket, and night-scented gilliflower, is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant species in the Brassicaceae family. Native to Eurasia, it is cultivated in many areas of the world for its attractive spring-blooming flowers, which range in color from deep rich purple to white. The plant's fragrance, as sweet as a violet's, becomes more pronounced in the evening, hence its genus name Hesperis, which means evening in Greek. Although a pretty addition to cottage or wildlife garden schemes, it can become a weed species in some areas where it has escaped from cultivation. Dames' rocket is often mistaken for a native wildflower and blooms in early spring, around March 1st. It grows well in average, well-drained soil in full or partial sun, and its foliage only appears in the first year before blooming in the second year. Allowing sweet rocket to seed itself will maintain the diversity of colors in its flowers and allow it to gradually naturalize over a large area.

Common names

Dame's Violet, Dame's Rocket

How to care for Dame's Violet

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Dame's Violet, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Dame's Violet should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Dame's Violet loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Dame's Violet thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Dame's Rocket.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Dame's Violet plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Growth-pattern

Dame's Violet grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.


More info:
Wikipedia