Description
You know that thrill when you run across a plant that’s completely new to you? I felt it when I saw purple rocket (Iodanthus pinnatifidus) for sale and just had to try growing it. A member of the mustard family, it produces a dense rosette of rich green leaves, then sends up 2-foot-tall stems carrying small, four-petaled flowers in late spring to early summer. The flowers are pale lavender at first, aging to near-white. They are said to be lightly fragrant, though I didn’t notice any scent on my plants. The overall effect of the plant in flower is like that of a much scaled-down dame’s rocket (Hesperis matronalis), a non-native. Purple rocket is native to parts of the central and eastern US, though not particularly common anywhere. It thrives in partial to full shade and moist soil. Perennial; Zones 4 to 8. Individual plants may be short-lived, but they are likely to self-sow to perpetuate the patch.
Harvested in mid September 2022. At least 20 seeds. Ecotype unknown.
Please read the germination information as well before ordering.
Tom King (verified owner) –
Did not sow this year.
Marcia Spoor (verified owner) –
Janet K. (verified owner) –
growing in nursery bed