Dictamnus Albus (Burning Bush)

Dictamnus Albus, often called the Burning Bush or Dittany plants, is a plant that quietly commands attention in any garden. Its tall spires of soft pink or white flowers, elegantly traced with delicate purple veining, bring a sense of understated beauty to borders and beds. These blooms are perched above dense, glossy green foliage, which stays lush and vibrant throughout the season, making this perennial as reliable as it is striking.

What makes Dictamnus Albus truly special is its intriguing secret. On warm days, the plant releases aromatic oils that, under the right conditions, can ignite briefly if exposed to a flame. While this natural phenomenon is rare and purely ornamental, it has earned the plant its evocative nickname, “Burning Bush.” This feature, coupled with its robust nature, has long made it a favourite among gardeners who enjoy plants with a story to tell.

Reaching heights of 60-100 cm, this is a plant that matures gracefully, flowering in late spring to early summer when other blooms may be winding down. As the flowers fade, the plant produces seed pods that add another layer of visual interest, giving it year-round appeal.

Unlike many flowering perennials, Dictamnus Albus thrives on minimal fuss. It prefers a sunny or lightly shaded spot with well-drained soil, and once planted, it dislikes being moved. Given time, it forms a long-lived clump that becomes a quiet cornerstone of the garden, returning year after year with minimal maintenance.

Plant Dictamnus Albus not just for its beauty, but for the subtle wonder it brings to your outdoor space—a plant that’s as fascinating as it is dependable, and one that’s sure to spark conversations as it grows quietly in your care.

• Type of Plant: Perennial
• Common names: Gas Plant, Dittany, Fraxinella
• Flower Colour: Pale pink or white with delicate purple veining
• Foliage Colour: Glossy, deep green leaves
• Height: Approximately 60-100 cm
• Spread: Around 50-70 cm
• Bloom Size: Tall, upright spikes of delicate flowers
• Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer
• Fragrance: Aromatic foliage and flowers, releasing oils in warm weather
• Hardiness: Fully hardy in UK gardens
• Key Features: Unique aromatic oils; long-lived clump-forming growth; low maintenance
• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to light shade
• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
• Watering Needs: Drought-tolerant once established; water regularly during the first year
• Maintenance: Minimal; prefers to remain undisturbed once established
• Wildlife Attraction: Attracts bees and other pollinators
• Supplied As: Bare root plants
• Ideal For: Borders, perennial beds, and as a conversation-starting feature plant
• Planting Density: 3-5 bare root plants per square metre
• Planting Time: Best planted in spring for summer blooms
• Dispatch: Spring (March/April)
• We Ship From: London