Hesperis

Description

Hesperis, commonly known as the dame’s rocket, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is a biennial plant native to Eurasia and North Africa, and it has been naturalized in North America. The plant grows up to 1-3 feet tall and can spread up to 1-2 feet wide. It has a straight stem and dark green leaves that are lance-shaped and grow up to 6 inches long. The plant produces clusters of fragrant four-petaled flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers come in various colors like white, pink, purple, and lilac.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Brassicales
Family	Brassicaceae
Genus	Hesperis

Appearance

Hesperis is an attractive biennial plant that produces fragrant four-petaled flowers. The flowers come in various colors like white, pink, purple, and lilac. The plant grows up to 1-3 feet tall and can spread up to 1-2 feet wide. It has a straight stem and dark green leaves that are lance-shaped and grow up to 6 inches long. The plant produces clusters of flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer, and each flower measures about 1 inch in diameter.

Care Guide

Hesperis is a low maintenance plant, and it requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to take care of the plant:

Water: Hesperis prefers moist soil, but it can tolerate drought conditions. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells.

Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer to the plant in the spring before it starts blooming. You can also apply a fertilizer with high phosphorus content to promote flowering.

Soil: Hesperis prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic.

Sunlight: Hesperis prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not bloom as profusely.

Hardiness Zones: Hesperis is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Hesperis is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to some problems. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect Hesperis:

Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can infest Hesperis. You can control these pests by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Diseases: Hesperis can be susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew and downy mildew. You can prevent these diseases by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.

Habitat

Hesperis is native to Eurasia and North Africa, and it has been naturalized in North America. The plant grows in meadows, fields, and along roadsides. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Hesperis deer-resistant?

A: Yes, Hesperis is deer-resistant.

Q: Can I grow Hesperis in a container?

A: Yes, you can grow Hesperis in a container. Make sure to use well-draining soil and provide regular water and fertilizer.

Q: How often should I deadhead Hesperis?

A: Deadhead Hesperis regularly to promote more blooms. Cut the spent flowers down to the base of the stem.

Q: How can I propagate Hesperis?

A: Hesperis can be propagated by seed or by dividing the plant in the spring or fall.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to Hesperis:

• Brassicaceae
• Matthiola
• Iberis
• Alyssum

References

• “Hesperis matronalis.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a345. Accessed 26 July 2021.
• “Hesperis matronalis.” PlantFiles, Dave’s Garden, davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/607/. Accessed 26 July 2021.