This plant is a biennial or short-lived perennial with leafy stems and 4- to 8-inch-long toothed, hairy leaves. Lilac or purple, sometimes white, flowers are borne from late spring to midsummer in racemes or panicles.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsConsidered invasive in grassland sites and forests. Attractive to insects. Flowering diminishes with age.
CareGrow in moist but well-drained, fertile, neutral to alkaline soil.
PropagationFrom seed sown in situ. Root basal cuttings in spring.
ProblemsViruses, mildew, slugs, snails, flea beetles, caterpillars.
- Genus : Hesperis
- Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
- Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
- Zones : 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Moisture : Dry to Medium
- Growth Rate : Fast
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Plant Type : Perennials
- Bloom Time : Spring, Summer
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
- Flower Color : White
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.
