Hesperis matronalis Sweet rocket (Cruciferae)

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Hesperis matronalis
Sweet rocket
(1 Page of 5)

The Hesperis matronalis plant species is found in S. Europe to Siberia. A garden escape in Britain, occasionally naturalized. It is a member of the Cruciferae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Sweet rocket.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Hesperis matronalis
Common Name:  Sweet rocket
Family:  Cruciferae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  0.75   Mature Width:  0.6

Habitat:  Woodland edges[45], meadows, hedges, grass verges etc, avoiding acid soils[17].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a rich moist well-drained soil, succeeding in full sun or semi-shade[111, 244]. Requires a neutral to alkaline soil[200]. Prefers an alkaline soil[190]. Tolerates poor soils[200, 233]. Grows well in damp, shady or grassy places[187]. Established plants are drought resistant[190]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c[187]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is a short-lived perennial[187] and is often grown as a biennial. A good bee, butterfly and moth plant, it is a specific food plant for the orange-tip butterfly[17, 30, 200]. The flowers are very aromatic with a clove-like fragrance, this is especially apparent in the evening[188, 245]. They usually have very little scent during the day and thus obtained a reputation in folk-lore for deceit[244]. The plant is sometimes cultivated for the essential oil contained in its seed[61].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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