Overview
Ballota is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Ballota, part of the Lamiaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Ballota grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and wildflower meadow.
About
Ballota is a bushy herbaceous perennial belonging to the Lamiaceae family, known for its aromatic, opposite leaves and clusters of small, two-lipped flowers with funnel-shaped calyces. This semi-evergreen cultivar thrives in well-drained chalk, loam, or sand soils with a pH ranging from acid to alkaline. It prefers full sun or partial shade in sheltered, south- or west-facing aspects and is hardy to UK zone H4. Suitable for cottage, informal, wildlife gardens, and wildflower meadows, it is best planted in spring by division and offers interest throughout the winter season.
About the genus
Ballota (horehound) is a genus of flowering evergreen perennial plants and subshrubs in the family Lamiaceae. It is native to temperate regions; the Mediterranean region has the highest diversity in the genus, with more isolated locations in South Africa, Central Asia, northern Europe, and the islands of the eastern North Atlantic. It is found in rocky and waste ground.
Wikipedia contributors, "Ballota", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ballota
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ballota
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Ballota size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ballota
- Propagation
- Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to leafhoppers
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ballota?
Ballota prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ballota need?
Ballota is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Ballota hardy in the UK?
Ballota has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Ballota?
Division in spring.
