About
Ballota nigra is a semi-evergreen perennial that can reach up to 1 meter in height, exhibiting either an upright or sprawling growth form. Its leaves are simple, ovate in shape, and have coarse margins, presenting a rough texture and a mid to pale green color. When the leaves are crushed, they emit an unpleasant odor. The plant produces small, muted purple flowers that grow in whorled clusters.
About the genus
Ballota comprises perennials or evergreen sub-shrubs characterized by their aromatic, opposite leaves and clusters of small, two-lipped flowers that frequently feature prominent funnel-shaped calyces.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
- Native to
- Eurasia, N Africa
- Fragrance
- Foliage
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Good for a wildlife garden
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to leafhoppers
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free