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| planman38104 Memphis, TN Zone 7a May 11, 2002 | Hesperis Matronalis - or Dames Rocket - is an evening scented biennial which has been a mainstay of the cottage garden since the 14th century in England. Native in Southern Europe it reaches 3-4 feet in height and has trusses of pale purple/pink blossoms which are evening scented. As early as mid-16th century this plant has reported to have has varieties which were double white, double purple and double striped versions. The only varieties which I have been able to find have been the single white and single purple. Marie Antoinette imprisoned in the Bastille during the French Revolution was delivered bouquets of Dames Rocket, Tuberoses and Pinks by her jailer (who because of this friendly turn was awarded his own stay in the prison). Evidently the double and striped version of Dames Rocket are lost - tell me it is not so!!!
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