Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Out of season
Dictamnus albus purpureus
dittany
Accent your summer borders with the upright, flower-studded spires of Dictamnus albus var. purpureus. Not only does this add variety to the planting scheme with a vertical accent, but it brings fragrance too with its aromatic leaves. There are details to admire up close too - each bloom is a soft shade of mauve-pink with delicate vein-like markings, dainty prominent anthers cascade from each flower providing the perfect landing spot for pollinators, and in autumn when the flowers of Dictamnus albus var. purpureus have finished you’ll be left with purple-blushed, star-shaped seedpods. It’s a long season of interest for a perennial which makes it worthy of a good spot in the border, where it will grow back every year.
Also known as dittany, Dictamnus albus var. purpureus is a hardy perennial plant which loves to be in a sunny or partially shaded spot and does well in light or sandy soils. It’s quite tolerant to drought once it’s established, but will need regular watering while it’s settling in. If you’re into flower arranging, you’ll find the seedpods useful material for autumn bouquets, but wear gloves when cutting because the sap can be irritant, especially in the sun. Combine Dictamnus albus var. purpureus with others which enjoy similar conditions, such as ornamental grasses like Panicum or Pennisetum, plus flowering treasures like Echinacea, Euphorbia and Astrantia.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Dictamnus albus var. purpureus
- Flower colour
- Pink
- Established height
- 60-1m
- Established spread
- 50-70cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 5 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Damp
Free draining - Soil type
-
Loam
Clay
Loam-based compost
Chalk
Sand - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade
Dappled shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 2-3 years
Pollinator-friendly
RHS Recommended
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Low maintenance
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