Overview
Ballota Pseudodictamnus is a plant with a low-growing, spreading, mounding habit in the genus Ballota, with grey-green to green, aromatic, semi-evergreen foliage. Ballota Pseudodictamnus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include dry gardens, gravel plantings and mixed borders.
About
Ballota Pseudodictamnus is an evergreen perennial subshrub in the mint family (Lamiaceae) that belongs to the Ballota genus. It is adapted to temperate, Mediterranean-influenced habitats and is commonly associated with rocky, open ground. Flowering occurs from June to September. Ballota species are also recorded as larval foodplants for certain case-bearing moths.
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
In the garden
Ballota Pseudodictamnus sits within the Ballota genus of the mint family and originates from temperate regions with its greatest diversity in the Mediterranean. Members of the genus are typically found on rocky or waste ground, and the species reflects that background in its growth and ecological associations. Siting should mirror its natural habitat: choose positions where the substrate is open and not persistently waterlogged rather than heavy, moisture-retentive soils. Planting into stony or gravelly pockets in borders or on banks will better reproduce the conditions this species tolerates. While regionally Mediterranean in origin, Ballota Pseudodictamnus is part of a temperate group and can suit milder UK gardens when placed in an appropriate location. Use it where a plant that fits into rough or naturalistic planting is required—rockeries, dry banks and informal Mediterranean-style drifts are all suitable contexts. Note its seasonality: it flowers from June to September, and like other Ballota species it can provide resources for invertebrates, with records of larvae of several Coleophora case-bearer moths feeding on related plants.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ballota
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Ballota Pseudodictamnus size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Low-growing, Spreading, Mounding
- Foliage
- Grey-green to green, Aromatic, Semi-evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Dry gardens, Gravel plantings, Mixed borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ballota Pseudodictamnus
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ballota Pseudodictamnus?
Ballota Pseudodictamnus prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Ballota Pseudodictamnus need?
Ballota Pseudodictamnus 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 Pseudodictamnus hardy in the UK?
Ballota Pseudodictamnus 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 Pseudodictamnus?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings.
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