Alphabetical Plant Listing

Dictamnus albus var. purpureus (Gas Plant)

Dittany, Gas Plant, Burning Bush, Dictamnus albus 'Fraxinella', Dictamnus albus 'Rubra', Dictamnus fraxinella


A standout for beauty, Dictamnus albus var. purpureus (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, soft mauve-purple flowers, 1 in. long (2.5 cm), with darker veins on the petals and 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 several years. Excellent specimen or group planting for perennial borders.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • 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 the 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, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage

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Nicolette Wollentin, 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, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage

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