White Dittany (Dictamnus albus `Albiflorus`) - Seeds - The mythical burning bush
€2,40
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White Dittany (Dictamnus albus `Albiflorus`) - Seeds - The mythical burning bush
€2,40
Pickup available at Bei der Kirche 3
Usually ready in 24 hours
The white dittany is one of the most fascinating and impressive wild perennials in our native flora. With its elegant, white flower spikes that stand above dark green, lemon-scented foliage in early summer, it is an absolute eye-catcher and a true magnet for bees and butterflies. The special feature of this plant lies in its essential oils: on extremely hot, calm days, the glands secrete so much gas that it can be ignited with a match – a short, bluish flame flares up without harming the plant. I have chosen this long-lived rarity for my range because it gives every sunny, dry flower bed a truly magical appeal.
Scope of delivery: 8 seeds each
Sowing at a glance:
| Property | Note |
| Pre-cultivation (indoors) | Only with stratification (cold treatment in the refrigerator) |
| Sowing (outdoors) | September to November (directly into the bed, germinates in spring) |
| Sowing depth | 1 to 2 cm |
| Germination temperature | First approx. 15-20 °C (2-4 weeks), then 0-4 °C (4-6 weeks) |
| Germination period | Very irregular and long (often several months), cold germinator |
Growth habit, location, and care:
The dittany grows as a stately, upright perennial and can reach a height of 80 to 100 centimeters. It loves warmth and strictly requires a position in full sun. It has very specific soil requirements: it must be permeable, rather dry, and above all, highly calcareous. Since the dittany forms an extremely deep taproot, it is virtually impossible to transplant once it has matured without damaging it. Therefore, choose the location carefully when sowing or planting. Once established, it is extremely drought-resistant, absolutely winter-hardy, and requires neither fertilizer nor special care – it will become more beautiful and vigorous year after year in the same spot.
Important warning (phototoxicity):
As fascinating as the dittany is, it also demands respect. The plant is highly phototoxic: contact combined with sunlight can cause painful, burn-like blisters on the skin (meadow dermatitis). When performing maintenance work – which fortunately is hardly necessary – I strictly recommend wearing long clothing and gloves.
Origin:
Dictamnus albus is native to Southern and Central Europe. In Germany, it is an absolute rarity, growing in the wild mostly only on warm forest edges or on dry limestone slopes, and is under strict nature protection. It must not be dug up or picked in nature under any circumstances.