Ash-leaf dyptam(Dictamnus albus), also known as the Flaming Bush or Moses Bush, is a plant with many uses. In addition to its beautiful appearance, it also has healing and cosmetic properties and is a source of food for insects. However, this ornamental perennial can be dangerous! Learnsecrets of growing dyptam , ways to reproduce it, as well as the most interestingvarieties of dyptamthat are worth planting in the garden.
Ashleaf dyptam - Dictamnus albus
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What does the bush of Moses look like?
Ash-leaf dyptam is a species of perennial belonging to the rutaceae family found in Europe, the Mediterranean and Asia.In Poland, the burning Moses bush is mainly cultivated as an ornamental plantIn its natural state, it is a completely protected species. You can meet him only in nature reserves.
Ash-leaf dyptam is a tall perennialgrowing up to 120 cm. It is worth emphasizing the fact that it is a perennial, because the popular names of the Burning Bush and Moses bush can be a bit misleading.
The Moses bush looks attractivethroughout the growing season - from spring to autumn. First comes the eye-catching rosette of dark green, lush leaves, somewhat reminiscent of ash leaves (hence the name Ash-leaf). Then, in June, large, dorsal flowers gathered in loose clusters grow on the tops of the shoots.Intensely fragrant dyptam flowersare five-petaled, white and in various shades of pink with characteristic dark veins.The tiny seeds contained in the capsule disperse themselves. They can be thrown up to several meters! "
Flowers of the ash-leaf dyptam
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Almost the entire plant is covered with glandular hairs, which when damaged emita characteristic, pleasant, citrus or cinnamon smellApparently, in favorable conditions, essential oils can ignite without damaging it the plant itself. Hence the other name of dyptam - the Burning Bush.
Note!
Under the influence of high temperature and sun, the plant releases allergenic substances and contact with it may result in severe burns and brown scars, which are difficult to remove. Therefore, the care of dyptam should be approached with caution and appropriate protection. Always wear protective gloves.
Ash-leaf dyptam - application and healing properties
The decorative pattern looks especially goodin rural and English gardens. It can be planted as a solitaire or in the company of species with similar requirements, such as hellebore, viburnum or daffodil.
Ash-leaf dyptam in a natural position
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In addition to its decorative qualitiesdyptam has also valuable healing propertiesThanks to them, it has been used in folk medicine for centuries. The Burning Bush was valued for its cleansing, digestive, digestive and detoxifying properties. Thanks to them,dyptam was used onpoultices after being bitten by poisonous creatures. For skin prone to impurities and acne lesions, an infusion of dyptam can be an effective disinfectant. Intensely fragrantessential oils obtained from the Moses bushhave been appreciated in the perfume industry.
Ash-leaf dyptam - varieties
The most famous garden varieties of dyptam are :
- ash-leaf dyptam 'Purpureus'with dark pink or purple flowers with darker veining,
- ash-leaf dyptam 'Albiflorus'with white flowers gathered in dense clusters,
- Ash Leaf Dyptam 'Rosa Purple'with pink flowers with dark, extremely decorative veining.
Variety of dyptam with white flowers
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Ash-leaf dyptam - cultivation
Ash-leaf dyptam does not have high cultivation requirements.This plant prefers slightly alkaline, well-drained soils with moderate humidity. Dyptam growing site should be sunny, warm and sheltered from winds.In partial shade, the Moses bush will also manage, but at the cost of less flowering.
Dyptam grows slowly , creating a highly developed but shallow root system. For this reason, dyptam roots are very susceptible to mechanical damage. Therefore, if there is no such necessity, it is better not to replant the plant. The more that it grows very well for many years in one position.
The optimal date for planting dyptam is SeptemberThe seedlings should be planted at a distance of at least 50x50 cm, so as to give the branching plants enough space. If the Burning Shrub is grown in poor, sandy soil, it is worth supplementing it with slow-release compound fertilizers such as Substral Osmocote or natural fertilizers such as compost or vermicompost.
It is true thatthe Moses bush is frost-resistant(plant frost-resistant zone 3), but due to early vegetation, and thus the risk of frost, it is worth mulching young plants for the winter. Dyptam tolerates short-term droughts well , but without watering it will flower shorter and the flowers will be smaller.
Pink dyptam flowers with dark veining
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Ash-leaf dyptam - reproduction
Practiced2 ways of reproducing dyptam- by dividing and sowing seeds.
Dyptam propagation by divisionis best done in spring. Let's try to dig up the mother plant with the largest possible root ball. While propagating perennials by division is usually the easiest way to obtain new plants, it is not as beneficial for dyptam. Due to the shallow and highly developed - and thus susceptible to damage - root system, the division of older specimens is quite difficult and it is not always possible to obtain well-rooting cuttings. Newly acquired specimens of the Burning Bush can be planted immediately or first on the seedbed.
Dyptam propagation by seedsis the easiest way to get new plants, although it requires a bit more patience. We can just allow self-seeding. However, in the case of garden varieties, the plants obtained in this way may differ from the mother specimen.
It is better, then, to buy seeds from a proven breeder.Dyptam seeds are sown in a permeable and moist substrate under covers at the turn of February and MarchGermination takes place at moderate temperatures, so keep it at 18 ° C indoors. After about 30-40 days, when the seedlings appear, they should be pierced into single, small pots and placed in the assessed place. We have to ensure adequate humidity all the time. Permanent placesthe cuttings of the Burning Bush are planted in September at a distance of at least 50x50 cm
MSc Eng. Anna Błaszczak
