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Dictamnus albus - Dittany

Dictamnus albus
Dittany, Burning bush, Candle Plant, Fire plant, Fraxinella, Gas plant, Spitfire plant

3,2/5
7 reviews
2 reviews
2 reviews
1 reviews
6 reviews

Water the young plants, I put them in a slightly larger pot with good soil before planting them in the field of plants and they seem to have already grown.

Thierry, 28/04/2021

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

More information

Dictamnus albus, also known as the Fraxinella, is a robust perennial for poor soil, suitable for Mediterranean climate.
Flower size
3 cm
Height at maturity
60 cm
Spread at maturity
30 cm
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -29°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil
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Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Flowering time June to July
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Description

Dictamnus albus, also known as Burning Bush, is a robust perennial for poor soil in a Mediterranean climate, forming dense clumps of woody branches with divided, leathery, dark green leaves.

Contrary to what its species name might suggest, Burning Bush is a perennial that does not flower white (albus = white in Latin), but pale pink, adorned with purple veins and a fragrant aroma. The flowers bloom in late spring, usually in June, and are carried by sturdy spikes 1 metre (3 feet) in height.

Also known as the Gas plant, Dictamnus albus contains a slightly inflammable oil that ignites and crackles during periods of intense heat.

 

Dictamnus albus is even more spectacular in dry and poor soil, even limestone, and under scorching exposure. Pair it with catmints, spurge, and grasses in a rock garden.

Dictamnus albus - Dittany in pictures

Dictamnus albus - Dittany (Flowering) Flowering
Dictamnus albus - Dittany (Foliage) Foliage

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time June to July
Flower size 3 cm

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour dark green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 60 cm
Spread at maturity 30 cm
Growth rate slow

Safety measures

Potential risks Plant that can cause phototoxic reaction after contact with the skin followed by exposure to sunlight (phytophotodermatitis)

Botanical data

Genus

Dictamnus

Species

albus

Family

Rutaceae

Other common names

Dittany, Burning bush, Candle Plant, Fire plant, Fraxinella, Gas plant, Spitfire plant

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Planting and care

Plant Dictamnus albus in full sun, in a light, poor and rocky soil. In the heart of summer, the foliage withers and the plant enters dormancy to protect itself from the heat. With slow growth in the first years of cultivation, the plant forms a fleshy stump from which numerous inflorescences emerge; the larger the stump grows, the more inflorescences there will be.

Planting period

Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Shaded rockery, Woodland edge, Undergrowth
Type of use Border
Hardiness Hardy down to -29°C (USDA zone 5) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 5 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Neutral, Calcareous
Soil type Chalky (poor, alkaline and well-drained), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Dry soil, Well-drained

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
3,2/5

Summer flowering perennials

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