Ballota acetabulosa
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Ballota acetabulosa is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Rocks and rough ground in dry hills to 900 metres.
S. Europe - Greece.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The calyces are used as floating wicks in oil lamps. The calyx is placed on the surface of the oil and soon becomes saturated with oil. It is then lit. Plants can be grown as a ground cover, forming a slowly spreading clump.
Wick: Used as a wick for candles, lamps etc.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
How it is grown
Requires a very well-drained position in full sun. Established plants are drought tolerant. Tolerates poor soils. Best grown in a hot dry position with some protection given from severe frosts. Usually found on alkaline soils in the wild, it tolerates a pH down to 5 in cultivation. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. Plants are best pruned back to the ground in spring before new growth commences. Plants are generally untroubled by pests and diseases. This species is closely related to B. pseudodictamnus.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no details for this species but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted straight into their permanent positions whilst smaller clumps are best potted up and kept in a cold frame until they are growing away well. Cuttings of semi-ripe wood in the summer.
Best place to grow: Ground Cover; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist