Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Annual BiennialHerbaceous Perennial

Hesperis matronalis var. albiflora
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

white-flowered dame's violet

A rosette-forming biennial or short-lived perennial, with leafy stems to 90cm. Produces loose clusters of fragrant white flowers from late spring to midsummer.

Synonyms
Hesperis matronalis alba
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral, Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Brassicaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Hesperis are biennials and perennials with loose clusters of four-petalled, fragrant, purple, cream or white flowers

Name status

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in neutral to alkaline soil in sun or partial shade. Replace plants every two to three years, as flowering diminishes with age

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in situ in spring. Root basal cuttings in spring.

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to cabbage caterpillars, flea beetles, slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to virus diseases and powdery mildew

Love gardening

Sign up to receive regular gardening tips, inspiration, offers and more

View our Privacy Policy

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.