Ballota pseudodictamnus

False Dittany
Ballot pseudodictamnus
Type: Evergreen Sub-Shrub
Exposure: Full Sun
Water: Drought Tolerant

This sub-shrub features aromatic, pale green, roundish leaves that are covered with a soft white fuzz, and which look particularly attractive when they catch droplets of rain or dew. It forms a smallish silvery-green mound of foliage that only reaches 18in (45cm) high with equal spread. Late spring or summer flowers are two-lipped, pinkish or purple, with a shape that is reminiscent of phlomis flowers (see Jerusalem sage, March 1st of this year), but smaller, and more hidden amongst the foliage. These flowers leave behind clusters of small brownish-black cups that look like the bowls of tiny pipes for some added interest in the dead of winter. These are natives of the Mediterranean region, and as such are a natural addition to Mediterranean-themed plantings, providing companionship for plants such as rosemary, lavender, senecio and, you guessed it,  Jerusalem sage.

Bloom photo courtesy of www.hardy-plants.org.uk

Cheers,

John