Pseudodictamnus spp.

false dittany

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

HardinessZones 7–10

Overview

Pseudodictamnus spp. is a small genus of evergreen subshrubs in the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to the Mediterranean region and segregated from the closely related genus Ballota spp.. Plants form low, rounded mounds 12-30 inches (30-75 cm) tall and 18-36 inches (45-90 cm) wide. The rounded leaves, 0.5-1.5 inches (1.5-4 cm) long, are densely covered in white woolly hairs, giving the whole plant a silver-grey, felted appearance that reflects sunlight and reduces water loss. Small two-lipped flowers, white to pale pink, are held in funnel- or cup-shaped calyces arranged in whorls up the stems through summer; the persistent papery calyces remain decorative after the flowers fade. Species such as P. mediterraneus and P. acetabulosus are grown mainly for their silver foliage and drought tolerance. The genus needs sharp drainage and full sun, and the woolly foliage can rot in humid, wet conditions or heavy shade. In cold-winter areas the plants may lose leaves or die back, regrowing from the base.

Native Range

Pseudodictamnus spp. is native to the Mediterranean Basin, including Greece, the Aegean islands such as Crete, and parts of North Africa. It grows on dry, rocky slopes, cliffs, and disturbed ground in full sun.

Suggested Uses

Grown in gravel gardens, dry banks, rockeries, and Mediterranean or coastal plantings for its silver foliage. The mounded form suits the front of sunny borders and large containers. The drought tolerance makes it a component of low-water plantings.

How to Identify

Identify Pseudodictamnus spp. by its mounded, silver-grey habit and rounded leaves thickly coated in white wool. The small white to pale pink flowers sit inside funnel- or cup-shaped calyces arranged in whorls along the upper stems. The papery calyces persist after flowering.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 2'6"

Width/Spread1'6" - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Summer

Flowering occurs through summer, roughly June to August, with whorls of small flowers opening over several weeks. The funnel-shaped calyces remain after the flowers drop, extending the display into autumn.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white to pale pink

Foliage Description

silver-grey

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam chalk rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Pseudodictamnus spp. in full sun in sharply drained, sandy, gravelly, or chalky soil. The genus tolerates poor, dry, and alkaline soils and withstands drought once established. Water sparingly, as the woolly foliage and crown are prone to rot in wet or humid conditions. Good air circulation and lean soil keep growth compact and reduce fungal problems. In regions with cold, wet winters the plants are short-lived and benefit from extra grit at the root zone. Light feeding is sufficient, as rich soil produces soft, floppy growth.

Pruning

Trim Pseudodictamnus spp. in early spring, cutting back the previous year stems by about half to maintain a dense mound. Removing frost-damaged shoots at the same time encourages fresh silver growth. The plant tolerates light shaping but not cutting into bare old wood.

Pruning Schedule

early spring