Gas Plant (Dictamnus) seed packets in stock and ready to ship.

Dictamnus ( Gas Plant )

An interesting plant for backgrounds, cottage gardens and group plantings. Once a very common garden plant, it is not seen much any more, probably because it is slow to establish, but once established, it is a very long lived plant.
In hot weather, old flowers or seed pods emit a flammable oil which, on a windless summer evening, can be ignited with a match resulting in a brief vapor burn which is harmless to the plant, hence the common name.
Gas plant is an upright, clump-forming, perennial which features rigid, vertical stems typically growing 2-4' tall. Bears racemes of fragrant, 5-petaled, white or pink flowers about 1" long in late spring to early summer. Flowers give way to star-shaped seed heads which provide some ornamental interest if left on the plant.
Glossy light green leaves are attractive throughout the growing season and emit a pleasant lemony fragrance when rubbed or crushed. Foliage also contains an oil that causes allergic reactions (skin rash) in some individuals.

Useful gardening information

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Prefers evenly moist, fertile, humusy soils that do not become soggy. Tolerates drought only when well-established. Tolerates light shade.
For zones 3-8.

Note: These seeds need to be cold statified before sowing. We recommend using the Seedman's Cold Stratification Kits for cold stratification.

TRZ209 Gas Plant ( Dictamnus alba )

Dictamnus albus, commonly known as Dittany, Burningbush, or Gas Plant, is a captivating herbaceous perennial admired for its remarkable characteristics and visual appeal.
Native to central and western Asia and Europe, this plant thrives in USDA zones 3 to 8, flourishing in full sun and well-drained soils that remain consistently moist. Known for its slow establishment, Dittany eventually matures into an upright, clump-forming plant reaching heights of 2 to 4 feet, with a spread of 1.5 to 2.5 feet. During late spring to early summer, it showcases fragrant, showy flowers with five petals in hues of white, pink, red, or lilac, often veined or dotted with red, and arranged in elegant terminal racemes.
The glossy, pinnate light green leaves emit a refreshing lemony fragrance when crushed, adding to the plant's sensory allure. A distinctive feature of Dittany is its ability to exude a flammable oil from old flowers or seed pods, which, in calm conditions, can be ignited for a brief, harmless flash of light, earning it the nickname "burning bush."
Resistant to most pests and diseases, Dittany attracts butterflies and makes a striking addition to borders and cottage gardens, particularly when paired with daylilies, peonies, and iris. While its volatile oils are noteworthy, be mindful of its phototoxic properties, as contact can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Explore the enchanting world of the Dittany plant, where ornamental beauty meets fascinating natural phenomena.

10 seeds $2.95

All seed packets listed on this page are in stock and ready to ship.