Hesperis matronalis is a traditional cottage garden short lived perennial valued for its upright habit and highly fragrant evening flowers. Flowering from late spring into early summer, it produces tall, airy spires of four-petalled blooms in shades of purple, lilac or white, held above mid-green, lance-shaped foliage.
Renowned for its sweet scent, which intensifies towards dusk, Sweet Rocket is particularly well suited to wildlife gardens and informal planting schemes. The nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators, making it a reliable addition to biodiversity-focused planting.
This hardy plant performs best in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. It readily self-seeds in favourable conditions, creating naturalistic drifts without becoming invasive in managed garden settings.
Key Features:
- Fragrant flowers from late spring to early summer
- Attractive to pollinators
- Ideal for cottage and wildlife gardens
- Suitable for borders and naturalised areas
- Fully hardy in the UK
A dependable and elegant perennial, Hesperis matronalis offers height, scent and seasonal interest with minimal maintenance.
Hesperis Matronalis (Sweet or Dames' Rocket) - Purple
Plant Factfile
Height 90-120cm Spread 45-60cm Soil Fertile, moist but well-drained soil; tolerates clay, loam and chalk Flowers Fragrant clusters of purple, lilac or white four-petalled flowers, May to July Position Full sun to partial shade Hardiness H6 – Hardy in all of the UK and northern Europe (to approximately -20°C) What you’re buying
Plant images are used for illustrative purposes only, so you know what your plant will look like once fully grown.
You’re purchasing your chosen size of plug plant (by selecting “Plant Size” option above).
Mini Plugs: Each plug is approximately 15mm sq, containing tender young seedlings in need of pricking out and potting on to grow before being planted out.
Midi Plugs: Each plug is approximately 20mm sq, plants are a little more mature than the mini's, can sometimes be planted out if the weather is good and the last frost has passed.
Maxi Plugs: Each plug is approximately 30mm sq, plants are more mature, sometimes over a year old, which can mean well developed root systems and/or fewer leaves due to winter dormancy or cutting back. Generally hardened off and garden ready, though for best results good weather is preferred for planting out.
Full information about plant sizes, including pictures, can be found here.
Delivery & Dispatch
Delivery Costs
- £3 flat rate delivery on all orders under £50
- Free delivery on orders over £50
When Orders Are Posted
Orders are normally posted on the Tuesday following your order. This helps us work efficiently and also reduces unnecessary trips and emissions. In most cases, after Tuesday posting your plants should arrive before the weekend.
Packaging & Plant Care During Transit
Our plugs are gently squeezed and carefully packed into breathable, unsealed plastic bags. The plants are then packed into recycled cardboard packaging wherever possible.