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Key characteristics

Family: Brassicaceae
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Width: 1 to 2 feet
Flower color: Pure white
Foliage color: Dark green
Bloom time: May to July
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Prefers moist, well-drained soil
Maintenance: Low; deadhead to prolong bloom and prevent self-seeding
Growing zone: USDA zones 3 to 8
Wildlife: Attracts bees and other beneficial insects

Perennials

Hesperis matronalis var. albiflora

Sweet Rocket

Hesperis matronalis var. albiflora is a biennial or short-lived perennial that produces clusters of pure white, sweetly fragrant flowers. Blooming from late spring to early summer, the blossoms emit a delightful scent, particularly in twilight hours. These flowers, borne on upright stems, attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing the ecological value of the plant.

Originating from Europe and naturalized in many parts of North America, this variety is a charming addition to wildflower gardens, woodland edges, or cottage-style plantings.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Prefers moist, well-drained soil

Bloom time

May to July

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Rain Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Bergenias · Sedums · Columbines · Lungworts · Daylilies · Japanese anemones

Design tip

Foliage and form do most of the work here, so lean on texture and repetition rather than one flowering moment. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)