Dames Violet

Description

It has numerous common names, including dame’s rocket, damask-violet, dame’s-violet, dames-wort, dame’s gilliflower, night-scented gilliflower, queen’s gilliflower, rogue’s gilliflower, summer lilac, sweet rocket, mother-of-the-evening, and winter gilliflower. Dame’s-violet grows in moist, and often shady, waste ground, hedgerows, brownfield sites, and by woods, rivers and roads.

A versatile perennial plant, hesperis matronalis has fragrant flowers that can bloom as white, purple or lilac flowers. Flowering late spring to the beginning of summer, they can be placed in full sun or partial shade and can attract various beneficial insects into the garden. With an average rate of growth, Dames Violet Plants can reach their full height of 60-90cm in 1-2 years.

Be aware they are a short-lived perennial living to around 3 years, but are very rewarding to grow for a wildlife-friendly garden and look superb in a herbaceous border.