Native to southern and temperate Europe, Siberia and northern China. Slow growing plant produces lemon-scented flowers in handsome, pyramidal spikes. The plants are unique in that they emit puffs of essential oil on hot summer evenings, which may be ignited with candle or match. The dried root bark or leaves are used to produce a cordial infusion for calming the stomach, or in higher doses as a prophylactic to epilepsy.
Seed has short viability.
We keep it cold-stored, and it should be ordered in the fall, midwinter or very early spring and sown upon receipt. Sow in outdoor nursery bed. Space plants 3 feet apart. Grows 4 feet tall.