Another excellent, but little used perennial plant is Dictamnus albus or Gas Plant. This plant earns its common name from the abundant, lemony scented volatile oils it produces which can supposed be lit on a warm, still evening. Allan Armitage, author of 'Herbaceous Perennial Plants' says "I have gone through many a match but have yet to see even a tiny spark. I have recently been told that it is the roots that emit this flammable stuff, but I have no intention of yanking up any plants to test them."

Despite this plant's dubious common name, it is a wonderful perennial plant with glossy green leaves and long, upright spikes of white flowers produced in June and July. The flowers are followed by attractive seedpods that can be used in dried arrangements. Gas Plant will grow up to four feet tall, but the base of the plant will become rather woody giving good support to the tall stems. It should be given full sun with very well drained soil; ideally a rich soil with high organic matter levels, but poor soil will be tolerated. Once planted it should be left undisturbed since it does not like to be moved. Over several years it will develop into a large clump with a magnificent display of white flowers that really stand out in the evening garden.

'Purpureus' is a cultivar with pale mauve-purple flowers and dark purple veins that is also very common and most attractive.