Ballota philistaea is a herbaceous perennial native to the eastern Mediterranean. It features aromatic foliage and pale flowers, thriving in well-drained soil.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers sunny locations but tolerates some shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, reduce in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Average to Warm
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C, tolerates cooler in winter.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly during growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Ballota philistaea moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Reduce watering significantly in winter, providing only enough to prevent the soil from becoming bone dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Prune Ballota philistaea in early spring to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing stems.
Light pruning can also be done after flowering to maintain its form and prevent it from becoming straggly.
Propagate Ballota philistaea from stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be a few inches long and rooted in a well-draining potting mix.
Keep the soil moist and provide warmth and bright, indirect light until roots form.
Repot Ballota philistaea every two to three years, or when it becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix. Spring is the ideal time for repotting, usually just before the active growing season begins.
Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Ballota |
| Species | Ballota philistaea |
Similar in genus Ballota
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
