dittany

Water Dittany (Dictamnus albus var. purpureus) plants moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. During the summer months (May-September) water your plants deeply about once a week. During the winter months (October - April) you can reduce waterings to once every 2 weeks. Make sure to water at the soil level and not on the foliage of the plant.

Dittany (Dictamnus albus var. purpureus) is an herbaceous perennial shrub. It grows best in full sun in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8. Plant dittany in well-draining soil and in a location that is sheltered from strong winds. Dittany requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day to flourish. This sunlight should be spread out evenly throughout the day and not concentrated into a single time window (10 am-4 pm is a suitable schedule). Morning sunlight is particularly beneficial in allowing the shrub to wake and start its day with energy. Early afternoon sun will help the shrub reach its peak growth and allow it to bloom. Late day sunlight will help it maintain energy during its nighttime rest. In extreme weather conditions, such as high temperatures or strong winds, the best method to provide your dittany with the necessary sunlight is to ensure that its location offers some shade during the midday heat. Placing your dittany in a spot that will offer the right amount of shade and sunlight is essential for its health and growth. Overwatering can also cause dittany to become stressed or weak. Make sure soil is allowed to dry out completely between waterings and do not fertilize during the fall and winter months. In summary, dittany (Dictamnus albus var. purpureus) requires 6-8 hours of full sun each day, spread out evenly throughout the day and protected from extreme weather. Morning, midday and late day sunlight is beneficial and the shrub should be placed in a location that offers some shade during the hottest part of the day. Overwatering should be avoided and the shrub should not be fertilized during the fall and winter.

Dittany (Dictamnus albus var. purpureus) is best pruned in late spring, after flowering is completed. Prune dittany back by about 1-third to 1-half its original size. This will shape the plant while thinning out any overcrowded branches, which will promote strong new growth. Remove any dead, dying, or diseased branches as needed. Light pruning may be done in late autumn if shaping is desired.