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From the mustard family , Brassicaceaecomes the Dames Rocket well known asHesperis matronalis[HES - per - iss , mah - tro - NAH - lis ] a herbaceous biennial flowering species .
The flower ’s scientific name comes from a Greek - derived genus name , which means “ the even ” – reference to the evening fragrant flowers .
They have a long list of common names , which vary depend on their location which include :
Dames rocket is native in various countries in Europe and Asia . It was introduced to North America in the 1700s where it became naturalise . The rocket is an trespassing plant in some region .
Their popularity is for the wildflowers which put on a great show in the spring .
Dame’s Rocket Plant Care
Size & Growth
The plant is an upright - growing abruptly - live perennial , which typically grows 2 ’ – 3 ’ foot tall with a 1.5′ to 2′ foot spread .
The foliation in the first year is a scummy lying rosette .
It consists of serrated dark green leaves that lack petiole .
These leaves are egg-shaped to lance - shaped . The green stems have fine hair .
Rocket Flowers and Fragrance
The Rocket has a relatively short bloom time , go from late spring to early summer .
Extend it bydeadheading spent flowers .
When the efflorescence do bloom , they are pay in loose , terminal racemes .
Mostly , these industrial plant produce reddish blue to purple flowers , hence the common name gentlewoman ’s violet and others .
Some rocket varieties produce white and pinkish flowers as well .
These phlox - like rocket flower has 4 flower petal and is half an inch across in diam .
This species is known for the fragrancy the bloom emits in the evening / night .
In fact , it ’s in the botanical name !
Light & Temperature
Native Damask violet plants are hardy to USDA Hardiness zone 3 to 8 .
These plants can stick out partial shade but thrive under the full sun .
allow tone when the summers are too hot and humid as it might impact the plant ’s development .
Watering and Feeding
The plants like moist soils with medium moisture .
Water enough to keep the grunge hydrated but do n’t drown the roots .
The plants are self - sufficient and do n’t require additional fertiliser or feeding .
Too much fertiliser can actually be harmful to the plants and your garden .
Soil & Transplanting
Moist but well - drain soil is optimal for these plants .
select an median soil premix with substantial fertility and good drain .
It opt neutral to slenderly alkaline soils but can tolerate very introductory soils as well .
As for transplant , the vascular plants reply well when you establish divisions or cuttings to disperse .
Grooming and Maintenance
In non - invasive regions , these plans are fairly low - sustentation .
The main pruning required is during late summertime when the flowering season is over .
Cut back the queen ’s rocket to its basal foliage to prevent self - seeding .
Some plant life may require staking .
How To Propagate Hesperis Matronalis
To propagate the works with seeds , start them outdoors in the location you want to spring up them .
They have first-class seminal fluid product .
Collect them once the source pods ( siliques ) have dried .
Sow the seed in belated spring to early fall before the first dusk hoarfrost .
Choose a sunny location and do n’t insure the seeds as the semen germinate better with light .
doubled - flowering forms of the industrial plant are best distribute with division or terminal cuttings .
Bury the cuttings or division in their permanent localisation and render the abovementioned grow condition for sound , palmy plants .
Hesperis Matronalis Pest or Diseases
The rocket is mostly not impact by serious plague and disease take .
There might be some susceptibleness toflea beetles , moth , type slug , and snail .
As for disease , virus and powdery mildew are the ones to keep an eye on .
confabulate your local botanical garden for advice .
Invasive Species
H. matronalisis considered an invading metal money in various plaza around the United States .
They are legally recognized as a noxious weed in multiple Midwest country admit Colorado , Connecticut , Massachusetts , and Wisconsin .
In Canada , they are consider a weed in Alberta as it self - semen aggressively .
Dame’s Rocket Plant Uses
Non - invasive aboriginal flora are best grown in naturalized areas , timber , meadow , and bungalow gardens .
summate them to your garden borders and flower layer molding .
Be cautious as the foliage run to disappear once the works prime .
supercede them with annual and other late - developing perennial until the next blooming season .
These are also large in pollinator gardens as their flashy display attracts moths , bees , butterflies , and birds .
These wildflowers are fantabulous trimmed bloom for indoor presentation .
Some part of the plants are considered comestible .
