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Herbaceous Perennial

Ballota nigra 'Upper Moor'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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

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
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Green
Summer Purple Purple Green
Autumn Purple Purple Green
Winter Purple Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
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

Unresolved

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
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to leafhoppers

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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