• Close-up of a Ballota Pseudodictamnus with a blurred green background
  • Small potted Ballota pseudodictamnus on a wooden surface with a blurred green background
  • Close-up of a Ballota pseudodictamnus with a blurred wooden background
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Ballota Pseudodictamnus

Ballota Pseudodictamnus

False Dittany

$15.00
$15.00
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Pot Size/Grade

Ballota pseudodictamnus, commonly known as False Dittany, is a tough, drought-tolerant perennial shrub grown primarily for its stunning silver-grey foliage and soft, woolly texture. Its rounded habit and shimmering foliage provide year-round contrast in the garden, while small pale pink flowers appear throughout summer, attracting bees and beneficial insects.

Native to the Mediterranean, Ballota pseudodictamnus thrives in hot, sunny conditions and poor soils where many other plants struggle. It is particularly effective in coastal gardens, gravel gardens, Mediterranean plantings and contemporary landscapes where its silver foliage can be used to soften stronger colours and add texture.

Why You'll Love Ballota pseudodictamnus

  • Beautiful silver-grey foliage year-round
  • Soft, velvety leaves with unique texture
  • Drought tolerant once established
  • Excellent for coastal and Mediterranean gardens
  • Low-maintenance and easy to grow
  • Attractive to bees and pollinators
  • Provides contrast amongst green foliage plants
  • Ideal for borders, gravel gardens and containers

  • Expected 5 Year Height 0.5 M Width 1.0 M

Is Ballota Pseudodictamnus suitable for my garden?

Ballota Pseudodictamnus is best suited in a position that gets

  • Full sun

Ballota Pseudodictamnus is

  • Perennial
  • Drought resistant once established
  • Wind Tolerant
  • Frost Tolerant
  • Drought resistant
  • Flowering
  • Attracts pollinators
  • Fast-growing
  • Cold hardy
  • Evergreen

Ballota Pseudodictamnus will thrive in soil that is

  • Free draining

How to establish your Ballota Pseudodictamnus?

Plant Ballota pseudodictamnus in a full sun position.

For the best foliage colour and compact growth:

Choose a warm, sunny location.
Ensure good airflow around the plant.
Avoid heavily shaded areas.

Full sun encourages the brightest silver foliage.

How to maintain your Ballota Pseudodictamnus once established?

Water regularly during establishment.

Once established, Ballota pseudodictamnus is highly drought tolerant and usually requires little supplemental watering.

Overwatering can reduce plant vigour and shorten lifespan.

Ballota generally requires very little feeding.

For best results:

Apply a light dressing of compost in spring.
Avoid heavy fertilising.
Excessive nutrients can result in soft, floppy growth.

Lightly trim plants after flowering to:

Maintain a compact shape
Encourage dense new growth
Prevent plants from becoming woody

A light trim each year is usually all that is required.

Avoid cutting heavily into old woody stems.

Ballota pseudodictamnus tolerates moderate frosts once established.

For best winter performance:

Ensure excellent drainage.
Avoid winter waterlogging.
Protect young plants in very cold regions until established.

Ballota grows extremely well in pots.

For best results:

Use a free-draining potting mix.
Position in full sun.
Water sparingly once established.
Feed lightly during spring.

Its silver foliage makes it an excellent feature plant in container displays.
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