Ballota nigra
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 angelicablack hoarhound
see morefalse hoarhound
false horehound
fetid hoarhound
fetid horehound
hairhound
henbit
horehound
stinking horehound
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical 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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