Dictamnus is an absolute favorite spring perennial! Dictamnus albus purpera reach a height of about 4 feet tall with quite woody stems at the base. In the late spring dictamnus blooms with long, spikes of pinkish flowers with purple veins set off by glossy green leaves. Once the flowers have faded, spectacular seedpods remain. They are native dromsouthwesterns Europe through to Asia.  The dictamnus is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3-8. They thrive in full sun in well-drained soil with a high organic matter. That said, they are fairly tolerant of poor soils and even partial sun. Once dictamnus has been established, it should not be moved or any attempt made to divide it. At maturation after several years, the growing dictamnus will appear as a clump with stunning stands of flowers poking from amongst its foliage.This plant exudes a volatile gas that in hot weather can be ignited without harm to the plant. hence the common name burning bush or gas plant.

Photos of designs by Theresa Bear