Dictamnus albus var. purpureus
Fraxinella, Dittany, Gas plant
Also known as Dictamnus albus var. albus, Dictamnus fraxinella
- Height × spread
- 0.9m × 0.6m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Spring, Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This plant has a sturdy, delightfully lemon scented, foliage mound. This produces upright columns of sweetly fragrant, mauve-purple, starry flowers. The leaves and seedpods exude a volatile oil; on still days it is possible to ignite the vapourised oil surrounding the plant, hence its common name. Apparently, it doesn't suffer with this experiment, however, children might, so take care! Once they have dried, the seedpods can be used in flower arrangements.
- Flower colour
- Blue, Lilac, Purple
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, sweet
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 0.9m
- Spread
- 0.6m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer
- Flowers in
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Scented garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Bee attraction
- Hazards
- Yes, plant with caution; Humans: CAUTION toxic to skin with sunlight
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.