Dictamnus albus![RHS Plants for pollinators](/assets/styles/images/icons/RHS_Bee_YELLOW-REGISTERED.png)
![RHS Plants for pollinators](/assets/styles/images/icons/RHS_Bee_YELLOW-REGISTERED.png)
dittany
An erect perennial to 1.2m tall, with aromatic, dark green leaves divided into lance-shaped leaflets, and long racemes of white or purple flowers 2.5cm across in early summer
![](https://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselectorimages/detail/WSY0078014_4447.jpg)
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | White | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC to skin with sunlight. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets with sunlight - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Dictamnus are woody-based, aromatic perennials with erect stems bearing pinnate leaves and terminal racemes of 5-petalled flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SW Europe to E Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as ripe or in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back to the base in autumn
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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