Hairy Ballota (Ballota hirsuta)

Hairy Ballota

Ballota hirsuta

Fuzzy gray foliage holds soft texture like a woolly blanket. Evergreen subshrub; common name: Hairy Ballota.

Full sun
1/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; thrives in hot, dry, sunny locations with minimal shade
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Watering Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; highly drought-tolerant once established
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Temperature Tolerates mild frosts down to -5°C; prefers warm, arid Mediterranean climates
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Opposite, ovate to lanceolate, densely silvery-gray pubescent; margins crenate
  • Flower: Tubular pale pink to lavender blooms in axillary whorls
  • Stem: Square, densely hairy, branching from basal growth
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Care Guide

Watering

Water deeply once weekly when top 5–7 cm of soil is dry

Fertilization

Diluted balanced feed once monthly. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to avoid leggy growth

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to boost calcium levels without altering pH
Pruning
  • Trim leggy stems in early spring to promote compact bushiness
  • Deadhead spent flower clusters to extend blooming period
  • Remove damaged or yellowing foliage to maintain plant health and airflow
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No listed toxicity to cats

Humans: No known toxicity to humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental groundcover, xeriscaping, traditional mild sedative in folk medicine