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How to Grow Burning Bush, Gas Plant, Dittany

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Burning Bush, Gas Plant, Dittany

Dictamnus albus

flower

Dictamnus albus is a long-lived perennial herbaceous plant known for its aromatic foliage and tall spikes of delicate pink or white flowers with prominent red stamens. The plant produces volatile oils that can be ignited on warm, still evenings—hence the common name 'Burning Bush.' It is a striking addition to borders and cottage gardens, prized for its architectural form and fragrant leaves.

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Example Burning Bush, Gas Plant, Dittany timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Burning Bush, Gas Plant, Dittany

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Burning Bush, Gas Plant, Dittany blooms

    Mid-to-late summer

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Burning Bush, Gas Plant, Dittany dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to light shade; prefers 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily
💧
Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during first growing season to establish deep roots. Reduce watering once mature; avoid waterlogging
📏
Spacing: 24 inches
📅
Days to maturity: Plants take 2-3 years to become fully established and flower reliably
🌱
Planting depth: Seeds sown 1/8 inch deep; transplants planted at same depth as container

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil; tolerates poor soil
pH: 6.5-7.5
Amendments:
compost perlite or coarse sand for drainage avoid heavy clay

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-8; prefers cooler climates and is slow to establish

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

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Growth Stages

1

Seed Dormancy & Germination

6-8 weeks total

Seeds require cold stratification to break dormancy. Seedlings emerge slowly after 3-4 weeks of cold moist conditions followed by warmth.

Cold stratify seeds for 30 days before sowing. Use well-draining seed starting mix. Keep moist but not waterlogged. Provide bottom heat (65-70°F) after cold period.

2

Seedling & Establishment

Year 1-2

Young plants develop a rosette of finely divided, lacy green foliage. Growth is slow and unspectacular in the first year.

Transplant seedlings when 2-3 true leaves appear. Handle roots gently as they are sensitive. Grow on in containers for 1-2 seasons before outplanting. Do not overwater.

3

Vegetative Growth

Year 2-3

Plant develops deeper root system and fuller rosette of aromatic, fern-like foliage. Stems lengthen but flowering is minimal or absent.

Water moderately during dry spells. Avoid moving established plants—they have deep taproots and resent disturbance. Minimal fertilization needed; rich soil promotes foliage at expense of flowers.

4

Flowering

4-6 weeks, typically May-June

Tall, sturdy flower spikes (2-3 feet) emerge with pink, lavender, or white flowers arranged in loose racemes. Flowers have prominent red or pink stamens and bloom in late spring to early summer.

Do not deadhead if you want seed production. The volatile oil is most concentrated in warm, humid conditions—flowers are fragrant in evening. No staking usually needed due to sturdy stems.

5

Seed Production & Senescence

July-September, then dormancy

Flowers fade and develop ornamental seed pods. Foliage may decline by mid-summer in hot climates. Plant enters dormancy in fall.

Allow seeds to mature and dry on plant if self-seeding is desired. Cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring. Remove leaf litter to prevent fungal issues in humid climates.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

lavender catmint salvia coreopsis allium nepeta achillea clematis

Avoid planting near:

roses (may inhibit growth) heavy shade plants that compete for light

Common Pests

  • Increase humidity, spray with water, use neem oil if severe. Rarely a problem in cooler zones.

  • and

    Remove affected foliage, improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering. Fungal issues more common in humid climates.

  • and

    Remove debris, use copper barriers or sluggo bait if damage occurs. Young plants most vulnerable.

Uses

🍳

Aromatic Herbal Tea

Culinary

Historically, leaves were used to make a fragrant tea with purported digestive benefits. The plant has been traditionally used in medieval and classical herbalism, though culinary use is now rare due to skin irritation concerns. [source]

🏠

Aromatic Foliage & Cut Flowers

Household

The lacy, fragrant foliage and elegant flower spikes are prized for fresh and dried flower arrangements. The plant provides architectural interest and long-lasting blooms in the garden. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it valuable for wildlife gardens. The plant supports early-summer foraging for beneficial insects. [source]

🎨

Burning Bush Phenomenon

Craft

The volatile essential oils (mainly citral and limonene) can ignite on warm, humid, still evenings—a phenomenon known as 'burning' without actually harming the plant. This has made it famous in folklore and scientific demonstration. [source]

💊

Traditional European Medicine

Medicinal

Historically used in European herbal traditions to treat digestive complaints and nervous tension. Modern use is limited; the plant is better appreciated for ornamental value than therapeutic application. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Dictamnus is grown for ornamental and aromatic purposes, not harvested for culinary use. Cut flower stems for arrangements when 2-3 flowers have opened. Seeds may be collected in late summer when pods turn brown and dry. Note: handling foliage on sunny days may cause phytophotodermatitis (skin irritation from volatile oils + UV exposure) in sensitive individuals.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 The plant's volatile oils (up to 0.5% of plant mass) are so flammable that on warm, still evenings with high humidity, the air around flowering plants can be ignited with a match—the flames burn briefly without harming the plant itself, a phenomenon called 'burning bush' that has inspired folklore and legend for centuries.
  • 🌱 Dictamnus was highly valued in classical and medieval times; it was called 'dittany' by the ancients and was believed to have magical and medicinal properties. Pliny the Elder wrote about its supposed healing powers.
  • 🌱 The plant has an extremely deep taproot and can live for decades once established (some plants over 50 years old), making it a true perennial investment—but it is notoriously slow to establish and resents being moved or divided.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun Perennial pH Seed Starting Mix Transplant True Leaves
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