This group consists of perennials and deciduous subshrubs that are found in the Mediterranean region and western Asia. These plants grow 2 to 3 feet high. Ballota pseudodictamnus forms clumps of succulent greenish-white stems that are clothed with evergreen, oval, grayish-green leaves. The entire plant is covered with a thick, grayish-white down. It grows 24 inches high and spreads about 3 feet. Its white or pale pink flowers are small, tubular and 2-lipped. They are produced within interesting pale green calyces, in mid-summer. Ballota nigra, the Black Hoarhound, has reddish-purple or whitish flowers and grows up to 3 feet high. The foliage of this plant has an unpleasant smell.

Ballota should be grown in well-drained soil in a warm, sunny, sheltered spot. Ballota pseudodictamnus looks attractive in front of a silver-leaf border. Cut it back in the spring before new growth begins.

Seeds may be sown in the spring or semi-ripe shoots may be used as cuttings in the summer.

Ballota pseudodictamnus;
Ballota frutescens;
Ballota nigra.