Hesperis matronalis, commonly known as Dame’s Rocket or Sweet Rocket, is a biennial or short-lived perennial herb native to open woodlands and forest edges in Eurasia. It typically grows up to 3 feet tall and features lance-shaped leaves. The plant produces clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of lavender, purple, pink, or white from late spring to early summer, which are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The flowers are showy and make a striking display when planted en masse.

Dame’s Rocket is valued for its sweetly scented flowers and its ability to naturalize in garden settings. It is often used in cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, and as a border plant. While it prefers moist, well-drained soil, it is quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of soil conditions. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires moderate watering. However, gardeners should be cautious as Hesperis matronalis can become invasive outside its native range, spreading by seed and outcompeting native flora. It is considered a noxious weed in some regions, so it is essential to check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0