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Burning Bush, Gas Plant
Dictamnus albus 'Purpureus'
The Burning Bush... or Gas Plant earned it's name because of the phenomina created by the fact that the leaves, flowers and seed pods give off a strong lemon scented vapor which, on a calm summer night can be ignited with a match.
Dictamnus is a perennial herb which is hardy in USDA zones 3-7. It grows best in full sun, but will tolerate some light shade during the hottest months.
The Burning Bush is easily grown in most well draining garden soils, but appreciates the addition of a small amount of lime at planting time. Once established, the plant is very drought tolerant.
A mature plant will grow to 24 to 36 inches in height, and produce an abundance of 1 inch diameter white, pink, or red flowers. Propagation may be accomplished by seed which should be sown as soon as they are ripe in the Fall. It will take up to four years for the first flowers to appear, so unless you are very patient, you are probably better off to purchase your plants from a good nursery.
Dictamnus is a long lived plant which resents transplanting, so choose your planting spot carefully so you won't have to move it later.
The new Spring foliage has a tendency to attract slugs and snails, so take the proper precautions if you don't want your plant to be quickly ravaged by these awful creatures!
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