Sweet rocket

Hesperis matronalis, commonly known as sweet rocket, is popular for its rich inflorescences in purple and lilac shades, which appear from May to July. This robust plant grows up to one meter tall and functions in gardens as a short-lived perennial or biennial. Its flowers are a magnet for pollinators, especially nocturnal ones, which are attracted by its specific fragrance that intensifies after dark. It looks very natural in flowerbeds and perfectly complements perennial compositions, where it often self-seeds in suitable spots. If you love creating floral arrangements, sweet rocket will not disappoint you. We cut the stems the moment the first blooms open, and they will bring us joy in a vase for up to a week. A specific feature of this plant is that even after cutting, the stems can still grow slightly in water, which adds an interesting dynamic to bouquets.

Sweet rocket is a plant that should not be missing in any cottage garden. It originally comes from moister forest edges and meadows, so it thrives in humous and well-draining soil in full sun or partial shade. It is rather a short-lived perennial or biennial, but in a suitable location, it reliably maintains itself by self-seeding. It stands out with its captivating fragrance, which fully develops only with the arrival of evening, thereby attracting moths and other pollinators. This pure white variant adds elegance and freshness to flowerbeds. It is perfectly suited as a companion plant to roses or as an undergrowth beneath taller shrubs and trees, where it creates a brightening element. If you grow it for cutting, harvest the stems the moment the first few blooms open. Bear in mind that even after cutting, the stems can grow a bit more in the vase, which is good to consider when arranging. It will last five to seven days in water.