Dictmanus albus

Also known as dittany or fraxinella, Dictmanus albus is an ancient plant originally cultivated by the Romans. It takes a season or two to settle down after planting. On a still summer's day, the aromatic oils given off by the flowers can be ignited and burn with a bright blue flame. Although plants grow well in light shade, full sun and still air help produce the most impressive display and strongest fragrance.

Plants eventually form a bushy, upright clump of glossy leaves with a citrus fragrance. Spikes of white blooms appear in early summer, which make excellent cut flowers.

This is the true burning bush, not to be confused with the annual bedding plant with the same common name, Bassia scoparia (formerly Kochia scoparia).