Dictamnus albus 'Purpureus'

Common Name: Gas Plant, Burning Bush, Dittany

A classic perennial that has received renewed attention as of late.

Very strong, tall stems carrying light pink, 6-petaled flowers with long, eyelash-like stamens and brighter pink veins unfurl from bright pink buds from late spring into midsummer (earlier in warmer zones).

This perennial forms a bushy clump of dark green, leathery, pinnate leaves that smell of lemons when crushed. Deer typically leave this plant alone due to its aromatic foliage, but butterflies enjoy its blossoms.

Dictamnus is rumored to get its common name from a light volatile gas that is emitted from the plant, though we haven’t tested this theory ourselves.

Height:

24.0-36.0 Inches

Spread:

18.0-24.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

3,4,5,6,7

Flower Color:

Pink shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Late Spring Early Summer Midsummer

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Growth Rate:

Slow

Garden Style:

Eclectic

Other Features:

Border Plant Cut Flower Cut Foliage Fragrant Flowers Fragrant Foliage

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Dictamnus should be grown in full sun and rich, moist, heavy soil. Its deep roots help it to survive modest droughts. Though they may take a couple of years to get established, their subsequent performance will be more than worth the wait. They typically are long lived perennials.

Dictamnus resent being moved and should be planted in a location where they can be left alone to prosper. However, they will produce many seedlings which are easy to move while they are still small. There are no substantial pest or disease problems.

The sap of Dictamnus is a mild skin irritant. You may wish to wear gloves when handling it.

Awards

Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit

Characteristics