Ballota pseudodictamnus (False dittany)

Botanical name

Ballota pseudodictamnus

Other names

False dittany

Genus

Ballota Ballota

Species

B. pseudodictamnus - B. pseudodictamnus is one of the very best foliage plants. It is a low-growing dwarf evergreen shrub with rounded, fine white-furry leaves and stems and small pink flowers in whorls toward the stem tips, with large pale green calyces.

Native to

Crete, Greece, Turkey

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Bushy, Cushion or Mound Forming, Rounded

Awards

RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

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Colour

Flower

Insignificant or absent, Pale-purple, Light green in Spring; Insignificant or absent, Pale-purple, Light green in Summer

Foliage

Pale-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Leafhoppers

General care

Propagation methods

Semi-hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Ballota pseudodictamnus (False dittany) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

City, Drought Tolerant, Beds and borders, Gravel, Containers, Rock, Foliage only

Cultivation

Grow in poor, well-drained soils in full sun.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Tender in frost (H3), Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Ballota pseudodictamnus (False dittany)

Common pest name

tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Ceratothripoides brunneus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Thrips present in Africa; the Caribbean and parts of Asia; frequently intercepted in the UK. Can cause significant damage to tomatoes and other crops in countries where it is present. Europe wide PRA will consider its potential to establish and cause damage.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/