Black Horehound
Ballota nigra
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Prefers dry conditions
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Mediterranean region
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Ballota nigra is an upright, bushy perennial with wrinkled, grayish-green, aromatic leaves and whorls of small, two-lipped, reddish-purple flowers. This species is notable for its strong, unpleasant musky scent when the foliage is bruised, and its excellent drought tolerance.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Water gently to keep soil moist during germination.
- Place in full sun for best flowering results.
- Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart after sprouting.
- Fertilize lightly with a balanced fertilizer in spring.
- Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Apply mulch to retain soil moisture
Don't
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
- Skip pruning after flowering
- Use heavy fertilizers that can burn roots
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Black Horehound questions
What zones can Black Horehound grow in?
Black Horehound is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Black Horehound deer resistant?
Yes — Black Horehound is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Black Horehound bloom?
Black Horehound typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Black Horehound need full sun?
Black Horehound does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Black Horehound drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Black Horehound handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
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Grow Black Horehound with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
