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Pseudodictamnus spp.
false dittany
Overview
Pseudodictamnus 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. 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 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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'6"
Width/Spread1'6" - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Colors
Bloom Information
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 pinkFoliage Description
silver-greyGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Pseudodictamnus 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 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
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons