Dictmanus albus

Save

DittanyPerennialFamily: Rutaceae

Ad

Position

Sun Exposure:

Dappled shade, full sun

Aspect:

South facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Middle

Soil

Chalky / Alkaline / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Also known as dittany or fraxinella, Dictmanus albus is an ancient plant originally cultivated by the Romans. It takes a season or two to settle down after planting. On a still summer's day, the aromatic oils given off by the flowers can be ignited and burn with a bright blue flame. Although plants grow well in light shade, full sun and still air help produce the most impressive display and strongest fragrance.

Plants eventually form a bushy, upright clump of glossy leaves with a citrus fragrance. Spikes of white blooms appear in early summer, which make excellent cut flowers.

This is the true burning bush, not to be confused with the annual bedding plant with the same common name, Bassia scoparia (formerly Kochia scoparia).

Grow Dictmanus albus in full sun to partial shade in moist but well-drained soil. Cut back to the base in autumn.

Ad

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecSowyesyesyes**yesPlantyes**yesFlowersyesyesyesPruneyesyesyesCollect Seedsyes**yes

Dictmanus ‘Albus’ and wildlife

Dictmanus ‘Albus’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Dictmanus ‘Albus’ poisonous?

Dictmanus ‘Albus’ can be toxic.

Toxic to:

Is known to attract People

People

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Cats

Cats

Is not known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Loading...

Ad

Ad

Ad

Loading...

Ad

Loading...