Managing Dame's Rockets or Wild Sweet Rockets for Flora
In the world of gardening, one invasive plant that requires careful management is Dame's Rocket (Hesperis matronalis). Known for its loose flower clusters that resemble garden phlox, this biennial or short-lived perennial native to Eurasia can be a nuisance in your garden.
To effectively control Dame's Rocket and prevent its invasive growth, an integrated approach is recommended. Here's a breakdown of the key methods:
Physical Removal
Regularly hand-pull or dig out Dame's Rocket plants, ideally before they flower and set seed. It's essential to remove entire root systems to prevent regrowth, as the plant can regenerate from root fragments.
Preventing Seed Spread
Deadhead flowers promptly to stop seed production and dispersal. Dame's Rocket spreads aggressively by seed, so carefully dispose of seed pods and plant debris to avoid seed contamination of soil or compost.
Habitat and Garden Maintenance
Maintain a dense, competitive planting of desirable native or cultivated species to reduce space available for Dame's Rocket. Mulching can suppress seed germination by blocking sunlight and creating a physical barrier in soil. Consistent garden cleanup by removing debris or bare patches reduces places where Dame’s Rocket seedlings might establish.
It's important to note that while no specific chemical herbicide control for Dame's Rocket was found in the search results, manual and preventive cultural controls are effective and environmentally safe strategies for managing this invasive plant in gardens.
Organic herbicides can be used for Dame's Rocket control, but application should be in late fall when native plants are dormant. Always carefully read and follow the label instructions when using an organic herbicide.
Dame's Rocket is often confused with native phlox, but it can be identified by its four petals and alternate leaves, rather than the five petals and opposite leaves in phlox. This distinction is crucial for control decisions.
Remember, leaving Dame's Rocket plants with seed pods in the garden or on a compost pile allows seeds to disburse. Pulling up Dame's Rocket plants with seed pods requires immediate burning or bagging and disposal.
Dame's Rocket control is essential due to its invasive nature. It behaves badly in the garden and is difficult to eradicate once it gets a foothold. Before buying a wildflower mix, always check the label to ensure it doesn't contain Dame's Rocket, as it may be referred to as dame's rocket, sweet rocket, or Hesperis plant on a wildflower mix label.
This article is part of a platform that provides gardening tips, videos, information, and a free e-book on growing tomatoes. Jackie Carroll, who has written over 500 articles on various topics, has contributed to this piece.
[1] Mulching: A Practical Guide for Gardeners. (2020). RHS. https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=481 [4] Invasive Plant Atlas of New England. (2020). Hesperis matronalis. https://www.invasiveplantsne.org/plants/hesperis-matronalis [5] The Invasive Species Info Network. (2020). Hesperis matronalis. https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants/hesperis-matronalis.shtml
Incorporating organic herbicides can aid in the control of Dame's Rocket, but their application should be done in late fall when native plants are dormant and label instructions should be followed accurately. A well-maintained home-and-garden lifestyle, including a dense planting of native or cultivated species and regular garden cleanup, can help discourage the growth of invasive Dame's Rocket.
