About
Ballota nigra 'Upper Moor' is a semi-evergreen perennial that can reach up to 1 meter in height, exhibiting either an upright or sprawling growth pattern. The foliage consists of simple, ovate leaves with coarse edges and a rough surface, displaying a dark purple-green hue. When the leaves are crushed, they emit an unpleasant aroma. The plant produces small, magenta-purple flowers arranged in whorls.
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
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-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, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
- 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