Hesperis matronalis subsp. nivea, commonly known as Dame’s Rocket, Sweet Rocket, or Night-scented Gilliflower, is a biennial or short-lived perennial herb native to temperate areas across Europe. It is typically found in a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, hedgerows, and riverbanks. This species thrives in areas with cool climates and is often seen in meadows and along roadsides. It grows at a moderate rate to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). Dame’s Rocket has lance-shaped leaves and produces clusters of fragrant, four-petaled white flowers that bloom profusely in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

The plant is valued for its sweetly scented flowers that can add a pleasant fragrance to evening gardens. It is often used in cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, and naturalized areas. Dame’s Rocket is easy to grow and maintain, tolerating a range of soil conditions, though it prefers moist, well-drained soils. It can be grown in full sun to part shade and requires medium amounts of water. While it can self-seed prolifically, it is not typically aggressive in the garden. However, gardeners should be aware that Hesperis matronalis subsp. nivea is considered invasive in some regions, particularly in North America, where it can outcompete native flora.CC BY-SA 4.0