False dittany (Ballota pseudodictamnus)
False dittany (Ballota pseudodictamnus) is a bedding plant that can grow 10cm – 50cm tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant False dittany (Ballota pseudodictamnus).
This plant is commonly known as false dittany.
This is a evergreen plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: false dittany
Scientific name: Ballota pseudodictamnus
Plant type: Bedding, Perennials
Habit: Bushy
Height: 10cm – 50cm
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: City & Courtyard Gardens, Patio & Container Garden, Rock & Gravel Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding
Other characteristics: Drought resistant, RHS Award of Garden Merit
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant False dittany (Ballota pseudodictamnus) – Ghislain118 http://www.fleurs-des-montagnes.net, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bedding plants are ideal for formal or informal flower beds, but also for growing in pots and containers of all kinds. They are important plants for their rapid growth, instant color and relatively low cost.
Other types of Ballota to consider:
See all Ballota
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant False dittany (Ballota pseudodictamnus), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
False dittany (Ballota pseudodictamnus) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Ballota pseudodictamnus likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
False dittany (Ballota pseudodictamnus) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing False dittany (Ballota pseudodictamnus) – Consultaplantas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
