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Summary
Physical Characteristics

Ballota pseudodictamnus is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.9 m (3ft in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Habitats
Ground Cover; Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
None known
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Wick
The calyces are used as floating wicks in oil lamps. The calyx is placed on the surface of the oil and soon becomes saturated with oil. It is then lit. A good ground cover plant for a sunny position. It is best to cut old growth back to the basal rosette in spring[197]. Plants form a slowly spreading clump[208].
Special Uses
Ground cover
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Requires a very well-drained position in full sun[187, 188, 200]. Established plants are drought tolerant[190]. Tolerates poor soils[200]. Best grown in a hot dry position with some protection given from severe frosts[200]. Usually found on alkaline soils in the wild, it tolerates a pH down to 5 in cultivation[200]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[200]. Plants are best pruned back to the ground in spring before new growth commences[188]. Plants are generally untroubled by pests and diseases[200]. This species is closely related to B. acetabulosa[200].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Propagation
Seed - we have no details for this species but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring[200]. Larger divisions can be planted straight into their permanent positions whilst smaller clumps are best potted up and kept in a cold frame until they are growing away well. Cuttings of semi-ripe wood in the summer[188].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
(L.)Benth.
Botanical References
200
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Links / References
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