Dictamnus plants are hardy perennials. They are ideal to use in the middle of a border as they are about 90 cm (3 feet) in height.
They usually come into bloom from the end of spring to the summer. When they carry star shaped pink or white flowers.
Dictamnus albus Photograph by Nuu..ul, CC.
Dictamnus has fragrant green leaves. Some of the common names for members of the Dictamnus genus include Gas Plant, False dittany, and Burning bush.
Gas Plant by magnolia1000, CC.
It is best to sow Dictamnus seeds in the autumn. Locate in either a sunny or lightly shaded part of the garden. thios should have a moist and slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 to 7).
The seeds should be sown (in triplicate) with a spacing of about 40 to 60 cm (16 to 24 inches) apart, and lightly covered with topsoil.
If first growing gas plants (Dictamnus) indoors, then the seeds should be imbibed by placing the seeds (within soil) in a black plastic bag. This should then be left for a fortnight at 16°C (61°F), then placed in the fridge for four to six weeks.
The germination should then proceed at a temperature of 16 to 17°C (61 to 63°F). It may be necessary to have cycles of refrigeration and warmth for germination to occur.
Seedlings of Dictamnus should then be planted out in deep holes at the end of autumn.
It will typically take about four years until Gas plant, or other Dictamnus plants, will flower. Dictamnus should be cut back at the stems every autumn.
The Dictamnus genus contains only one species.
Yes, Dictamnus albus can be a unique addition to a garden with its interesting foliage and seed pods.
The only species in this genus, Dictamnus albus (Burning Bush), is the one grown by gardeners.
Yes, Dictamnus albus has fragrant flowers and leaves, especially in the evening.
Dictamnus albus prefers a location with full sun and well-drained soil.
Currently, Dictamnus albus is not known to be invasive in the USA.
To remove Dictamnus albus, dig up the entire plant, including roots, to prevent regrowth.
The Dictamnus genus, often referred to as Gas Plant or Burning Bush, consists of only one species: Dictamnus albus. This perennial plant is native to Eurasia and is admired for its leathery, aromatic leaves and showy spikes of star-shaped flowers.
Dictamnus grows best in full sun or light shade, in well-drained soil. It is a slow-growing plant and may take several years to flower from seed, but once established, it is long-lived and requires little care. As the common name suggests, the plant's oils can vaporize on hot days, creating a flammable gas that can ignite if met with a spark or flame, hence it should be kept away from open flames.
I hope that you found this guide on how to grow Dictamnus plants in your garden. You may also enjoy my gardening guides on how to grow Zanthoxylum fagara, Zanthoxylum clava herculis, and Zanthoxylum simulans plants.