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Herbaceous Perennial

Ballota nigra
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

black horehound

A semi-evergreen perennial with an erect to sprawling habit to 1m tall. Leaves are simple, ovate, coarsely-toothed and rough-textured, mid to pale green, unpleasantly scented when bruised. Flowers are small, dull purple and borne in whorls

Other common names
black angelica
black hoarhound
see morefalse hoarhound
false horehound
fetid hoarhound
fetid horehound
hairhound
henbit
horehound
stinking horehound
marddanhadlen ddu
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Purple Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to the UK
Yes
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Ballota can be perennials or evergreen sub-shrubs, with opposite, aromatic leaves and whorls of small, 2-lipped flowers often with large funnel-shaped calyces

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Eurasia, N Africa

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Good for a wildlife garden

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wildflower meadow
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to leafhoppers

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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