Hesperis matronalis Alba - Dame's Violet seeds

White Dame's Rocket (Hesperis matronalis Alba), also known as Garden Rocket or Dame's Violet, is a vigorous perennial that bears clusters of small white flowers from late spring. It emits a sweet violet fragrance in the evening. A charming old-fashioned addition to country gardens, it looks stunning when paired with Lupins.

Native to Europe and Central Asia and belonging to the Brassicaceae family, Hesperis matronalis is a short-lived perennial, often grown as a biennial. Its ephemeral nature is greatly compensated by its ability to self-seed. Its simple flowers are arranged in spikes on upright, branched stems. Its medium green leaves are deciduous, rough, and lanceolate. It has an airy bushy shape, reaching 75 cm (30in) high and 60 cm (24in) wide.

Sometimes referred to as "Grandmother's flowers," it blends well in Cottage and Herb gardens, where it pairs wonderfully with The Chatelaine Lupin, Baptisias, and Alliums.

The name Hesperis comes from the Greek word meaning evening, as its fragrance is most noticeable at nightfall. Plant it near the house to fully enjoy this. Lastly, it is a nectar-rich plant that will delight bees and butterflies.

Growing Dame's Rocket is easy; it thrives in full sun or partial shade, in moist, humus-rich, and well-drained soil. It is hardy down to -15°C.