Hesperis matronalis Alba

Hesperis matronalis Alba is a delightful form of Dame's Rocket.with single pure white flowers. The main asset of this short-lived perennial is its fragrance, which is reminiscent of jasmine. The name Hesperis comes from the Greek hespera which means "evening", alluding to the fragrance of the flowers that intensifies at the end of the day. Its clusters of immaculate flowers bloom from spring to mid-summer, animated by the constant flight of pollinating insects. Plant it in wildflower beds, where it will require very little maintenance and easily self-seed.

Dame's Rocket is a plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family, along with rapeseed and mustard. It is native to central and southern Europe, as well as northern and western Asia. While theoretically a perennial, it is most often cultivated as a biennial. This herbaceous plant has an upright, sparsely branched habit, except in its upper part, reaching a height of 60 to 80 cm (24 to 32 in) when in flower, with a diameter of 30 cm (12 in), and grows very rapidly. Its deciduous foliage disappears in winter. It consists of large leaves (10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in) long), which are dark green, alternate and lanceolate with dentate margins and without petioles. Flowering occurs from mid-spring to summer, from May to July. The white flowers of this 'Alba' selection, delicately fragrant in the evening, are nectar-rich and attractive to bees and butterflies, such as sphinx moths, which ensure pollination. They are grouped in terminal clusters of small single flowers with 4 sepals, 4 petals, and 6 stamens. The fruits are small siliques containing numerous seeds that will easily germinate in light soil if left in place.

Dame's Rocket self-seeds abundantly, and it is not uncommon to find plants growing at a good distance from the original plant. For this reason, it is well suited to "wild" gardens. It works wonders near pathways and openings where you can enjoy its delightful wallflower-like fragrance on summer evenings. It is often overlooked, but it can easily be grown in pots in groups of 3 or 4 plants. For example, associate them with daffodils and tulips, or in an Impressionist painting-like garden, such as Monet's garden, with garden irises, snapdragons, bellflowers, or goldenrods. The 'Alba' variety pairs beautifully with pale blue or purple delphiniums, as well as bright yellow rudbeckias. It can be combined with pure white phlox paniculata, white bee balm, summer daisies, or dahlias to create a beautiful white garden.

Properties and uses: the fragrance and pastel colour of the flowers make it suitable for potpourris. The young leaves and flowers are edible, but they may be a bit too bitter for some palates.