Cup-shaped glomerulus

The leaves are rounded and slightly pointed, embellished with finely serrated edges. The foliage is woolly and grey-green, lighter in arid areas and tending towards white during the summer. The flowering is small, composed of small pink-violet flowers that remain fairly close to the woolly stems.

The Ballota acetabulosa is not demanding, adaptable to almost any type of soil (with a preference for well-drained ones) and requiring little maintenance in terms of weed removal: its allelopathic properties will indeed inhibit the growth of weeds in the immediate vicinity. Given its resistance to salt spray, it is excellent in the context of a coastal garden.

Among the possible pairings for Ballota acetabulosa, we note the possibility of creating continuity with the very soft foliage of Stachys byzantina. If instead you are a lover of contrasts, why not pair it with a scenographic Agapanthus africanus or the charming color of the flowers of Verbena bonariensis?

This plant is also known by the names of candle plant or Greek candle, a nickname that has its roots in the history of the peoples of the Mediterranean: the fruits of Ballota acetabulosa were indeed widely used as a plant-based wick until just a few decades ago, thanks to their ability to stay lit for many consecutive hours without producing smoke or emitting unpleasant odors.