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Position

Sun Exposure:
Full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in Border:
Middle

Soil

Succeeds on poor soil:
Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

False dittany, Ballota pseudodictamnus, is a small, bushy shrub that thrives in hot, sunny and dry conditions. It's aided by a covering of felty, silver hairs that reduce water loss. In late summer it produces flowering spears that bear whorls of small pink flowers.

Ballota pseudodictamnus is perfect for growing in sunny gravel gardens, where it'll inhibit weed growth and combine well with plants like bearded irises and phlomis.

For best results, grow Ballota pseudodictamnus in full sun in a poor, well-drained soil. Prune back hard in spring to encourage fresh growth, which has the best colour. Ballota pseudodictamnus has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's prestigious Award of Garden Merit.

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Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyesyesyes
Flowersyes
Take cuttingsyesyesyesyesyes
Pruneyesyes

Ballota ‘Pseudodictamnus’ and wildlife

Ballota ‘Pseudodictamnus’ is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Ballota ‘Pseudodictamnus’ poisonous?

Ballota ‘Pseudodictamnus’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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