Dictamnus albus 'Albiflorus' (Gas Plant)
Dittany, Gas Plant, Burning Bush
A standout for beauty, Dictamnus albus 'Albiflorus' (Gas Plant) is an upright, clump-forming herbaceous perennial forming a bushy, upright mound of aromatic, glossy green, pinnate leaves divided into 9-11 finely toothed leaflets. The foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season and exudes a pleasant citrusy fragrance when rubbed or crushed. Blooming in late spring to early summer, erect spikes of fragrant, pure white flowers, 1 in. long (2.5 cm), with prominent stamens are on display. They give way to star-shaped seedpods which provide additional ornamental interest. On still days a match held below the flower spike will ignite the volatile oil contained in the seedpods resulting in a dramatic flash of light (hence the common name). Where happy, large clumps bearing magnificent displays of flowers can develop over a number of years. Excellent specimen or group planting for perennial borders.
- Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall and wide (60-90 cm).
- Performs best in full sun or light shade in moderately fertile, evenly moist, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established. Cool nights are a must for best performance.
- Easy to grow, this plant is a welcomed addition to beds and borders and cottage gardens. Excellent cut flowers!
- Virtually pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
- Cut back to the base in autumn.
- Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as ripe or in early spring - it may take 3-4 years before bloom. Difficult to divide and best left undisturbed.
- Skin contact may cause photodermatitis.
- Native to Europe and western temperate Asia.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 3
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Dictamnus - Gas Plants |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
Kazakov Maksim, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 3
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Dictamnus - Gas Plants |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |