Promising Plants Profiles

Ballota nigra 'Archer's Variegated'

Genus: Ballota
Specific Epithet: nigra
Cultivar Name: 'Archer's Variegated'
Common Names: variegated black horehound
Family: Lamiaceae

Flower Color: lavender-purple
Form: perennial
Hardiness Zone: 4-9
Height: 12-36''
Soil: 10-24''
Sun: full sun

Uses: medicinal, ornamental
Parts Used: aerial parts

"This clumping herb belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). It has spikes of small lavender-purple flowers from June through August, but it is the cream and green marbled, wrinkly foliage that provides the main focus. As a semi-evergreen, it lends a nice splash of color to the late autumn and early winter garden when other perennials are dying back. It eventually does become dormant, re-sprouting in early spring. Ballota nigra tends to be invasive in some east coast states. The variegated version is more restrained but just as hardy and has taken temperatures to -12°F. It comes reasonably true from seed. Preferred conditions are full sun and well-drained soil. Remove reverted stems from the base." – Scott Kresge, Promising Plants Presentation, 2004

Plant Source: Forest Farm, Williams, OR

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