Hesperis matronalis var. albiflora
sweet rocket
Gorgeously scented pure white flowers are held above rosettes of dark green leaves. This is a biennial or short-lived perennial...
9cm pot
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3 × 9cm pots
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6 × 9cm pots
£39.99
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approx 500 seeds
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Sweet rocket - a haze of silver-white flowers adored by butterflies, bees and moths - always with a hint of violet in the day - but like white moonlight in the April gloaming
Plant description
Gorgeously scented pure white flowers are held above rosettes of dark green leaves. This is a biennial or short-lived perennial that readily self- seeds, often coming true to type, so it is perfect for naturising in a wildlife garden. Like all sweet rockets it is highly attractive to bees and other beneficial insects, and the fragrant flowers perfume the air in spring and early summer evenings. The flowers of Hesperis matronalis var. albiflora are also edible and will look great when sprinkled over salads. Although relatively short-lived, it self-seeds freely.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth
Average
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Hesperis matronalis var. albiflora:
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 (12in) between each plant.
Please note:
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
GOES WELL WITH
Floral gastronomy
I used to be a bit sceptical about all this new-fangled fashion for eating flowers. All a bit Guardianista, I thought. Looks nice and all that, but what about the flavour? Well. Then I ate a rosemary flower. And found out about the flavour, and why people
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