Pseudodictamnus mediterraneus
false dittany
Overview
Pseudodictamnus mediterraneus, long grown as Ballota pseudodictamnus, is an evergreen subshrub in the Lamiaceae family, forming a rounded mound 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall and 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) wide. The whole plant is densely covered in white woolly hairs, giving the rounded gray-green leaves, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) long, a felted texture and a pale, almost silver-white appearance. In summer the upright stems carry small pale lilac to white two-lipped flowers held in tiered whorls within green, funnel-shaped calyces; the persistent calyces remain after the flowers fade. The plant grows from a woody base and tolerates heat, wind, coastal salt, and drought once established. Pseudodictamnus mediterraneus is hardy in USDA zones 7 through 9 and needs full sun and sharply drained soil; in damp or heavy ground, especially over winter, the crown and roots rot. Shade and rich soil loosen the habit and dull the woolly coat. The mound holds its silver tone through mild winters and can be cut back hard in spring to renew dense growth. Flowers draw bees and other pollinators. Native to dry, rocky slopes and scrub of the eastern Mediterranean, it is grown in gravel gardens, dry banks, and coastal and Mediterranean-style plantings.
Native Range
Pseudodictamnus mediterraneus is native to dry, rocky slopes, cliffs, and scrub of the eastern Mediterranean, including Greece and nearby islands. It grows on poor, stony ground in full sun.Suggested Uses
Grown in gravel gardens, dry sunny banks, rock gardens, and coastal and Mediterranean-style plantings, spaced 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) apart. The silver, woolly foliage contrasts with darker or smaller-leaved plants. It suits hot, dry, exposed sites with sharp drainage.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread2' - 2'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Small pale lilac to white flowers appear in summer, roughly June through August, in tiered whorls along upright stems. The flowers are small, and the green, funnel-shaped calyces persist after they fade. The woolly silver foliage holds through the year in mild climates.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pale lilac to whiteFoliage Description
Silver-grayGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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
Grows in full sun and poor, sharply drained soil, tolerating heat, wind, coastal salt, and drought once established. Water needs are low, and damp or heavy soil, especially over winter, rots the crown and roots. In USDA zones 7 through 9 it is hardy and stays evergreen in mild winters. Shade and rich soil loosen the habit and dull the silver, woolly coat. Cutting back hard in spring renews dense, compact growth. Lean soil and full sun keep the foliage tight and pale.Pruning
The plant is cut back by up to half in spring to renew dense growth and remove winter-worn shoots. Spent flower stems are trimmed after bloom. Cutting into old bare wood regrows unreliably, so cuts are kept within the leafy growth.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