Species Black Horehound
light-purple flowers with lime buds and dark-green leaves

Black Horehound

Ballota nigra

Black Horehound (Ballota nigra) is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia. It has dark green, oval leaves and blackish-purple edible flowers. Its odour is described as unpleasant, but its sour, bitter taste is said to be quite pleasant. This hardy and drought-tolerant plant loves sunny areas and grows well in poor soils. It is traditionally used as an ingredient in medicinal teas and as a flavouring agent in food. Its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and expectorant properties make it a popular herbal remedy for treating colds and respiratory conditions.

Watering:

Frequent

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water Hyssop (Bacopa rotundifolia) should be watered about once a week, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Additionally, during periods of extreme heat, water Hyssop more frequently to prevent the soil from drying out too much. It is best to water in the evening or early morning. It is important to water Hyssop deeply and thoroughly, so consider using a slow trickle of water to give the soil a chance to absorb the water. Finally, water Hyssop with room temperature water to reduce the chance of shock.

sunlight

Water Hyssop needs 6-8 hours of sunlight every day in order to thrive and perform best in its growth. It does best when receiving direct sunlight for at least part of the day during the growing season. Although Water Hyssop can tolerate partial shade and will still survive in indirect light, it will usually not flower and will have significantly fewer leaves and stems. For best results, plant Water Hyssop in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade.

pruning

Water Hyssop (Bacopa rotundifolia) should be lightly pruned twice a year. As a general rule, it should be pruned in the spring when the plant is starting to actively grow and in the late summer or early fall when it has finished its active growth cycle. Pruning should consist of pinching back any dead or damaged stems and removing any stems down to the base that have become overgrown and are competing with other healthier stems. Pruning this plant should be limited, as it is a slow-growing species and benefits from light shaping, allowing it to develop its characteristic full, rounded shape.

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