Description
Ballota –
There are about 35 species of clump or mat forming perennials and evergreen or deciduous subshrubs, in this genus. They occur from rocky and waste ground in the Mediterranean, Europe and Western Asia. The leaves are opposite mostly round3ed and bluntly toothed and aromatic sometimes unpleasantly so. From leafy spikes it bears whorls of small, 2 lipped flowers, often with prominent, star shaped calyces. Was used in folk medicine. Grow in a sunny border and rockeries.
Grow in poor, dry, well drained soil in full sun. Cut back subshrubs in spring to keep compact. Divide perennials in spring.
B. nigra Archer’s Variety – Ballota nigra ‘Variegata’ – ‘Black horehound’ – This rapidly spreading, hairy perennial grows 3-4′ feet tall and 10″ wide. It produces nettle like, spotted and streaked white ovate, grayish green leaves, 1-2″ long, that exude an unpleasant smell when cruised. From early summer to early autumn it bears cluster of tublar purple flowers, ½” long, with brown calyces.
Zones 6-10
