Dictamnus albus aka Burning Bush

Taxonomy

Dictamnus albus, also known as burning bush, dittany, gas plant or fraxinella, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rutaceae. This herbaceous perennial has several geographical variants and is native to warm, open woodland habitats in southern Europe, north Africa, and much of Asia. It is an upright, clump-forming, woody-based plant that grows 2-4 feet tall with rigid, vertical stems. The plant blooms late spring to early summer with fragrant, 5-petaled, white or pink flowers in terminal racemes. The Gas Plant is slow to establish but very long-lived as a bushy, upright clump with fragrant glossy green leaves. It can take 2-4 years before it blooms, preferring moist, well-drained, slightly alkaline soils but will tolerate some drought once established.

Common names

Burning Bush, Gasplant, White Dittany

How to care for Burning Bush

Difficulty

Burning Bush presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Burning Bush should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Burning Bush loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Burning Bush thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your White Dittany.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Burning Bush to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Burning Bush is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Fertilizer

The Burning Bush is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

Burning Bush grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Burning Bush’s native range is S. and C. Europe.


More info:
Wikipedia