BALLOTA

(Ballot'a)

DESCRIPTION: This group consists of perennials and deciduous subshrubs that are found in the Mediterranean region and western Asia. These plants grow 2 to 3 feet high. B. pseudodictamnus forms clumps of succulent greenish-white stems that are clothed with evergreen, oval, grayish-green leaves. The entire plant is covered with a thick, grayish-white down. It grows 24 inches high and spreads about 3 feet. Its white or pale pink flowers are small, tubular and 2-lipped. They are produced within interesting pale green calyces, in mid-summer. B. nigra, the Black Hoarhound, has reddish-purple or whitish flowers and grows up to 3 feet high. The foliage of this plant has an unpleasant smell.

POTTING: Ballota should be grown in well-drained soil in a warm, sunny, sheltered spot. B. pseudodictamnus looks attractive in front of a silver-leaf border. Cut it back in the spring before new growth begins.

PROPAGATION: Seeds may be sown in the spring or semi-ripe shoots may be used as cuttings in the summer.

VARIETIES: B. pseudodictamnus; B. frutescens; B. nigra.

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