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Ballota pseudodictamnus

false dittany

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Whorls of white or pink-tinted flowers appear in May and June on woolly stems above the mounds of yellow-flushed grey-green leaves. This upright, woolly-stemmed subshrub looks great in a sunny, well-drained gravel garden, surrounded by other drought-loving plants.

Closely related to the 'false dittany' traditionally used for lighting oil-lamps in Crete, Ballota pseudodictamnus needs good drainage to avoid succumbing to wet winter ground conditions.

How to care for Ballota pseudodictamnus:

Plant in full sun in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil, ideally with plenty of grit added to heavy ground or on a raised area where drainage is poor. Once established, it becomes more drought tolerant, but newly planted specimens should be kept watered during dry spells.

Good drainage is essential over winter, as cold, wet soil can lead to root problems; avoid waterlogged ground and reduce watering during prolonged wet weather. Trim back lightly in mid-spring to maintain a neat, compact shape.

The plant is evergreen or semi-evergreen, depending on winter conditions. In a mild, sheltered UK garden it can retain most of its silvery-grey foliage, while colder or wetter winters may cause some leaf loss and dieback.
Flowering period:
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Eventual height:
0.5m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:

Full sun

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

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