Overview
Plantago lanceolata is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Plantago, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1 year. Plantago lanceolata grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens.
About
Plantago lanceolata, commonly known as ribwort plantain, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Plantaginaceae family. It grows to a height and spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres within one year and features semi-evergreen foliage. This adaptable plant thrives in full sun on south- or west-facing aspects and tolerates a range of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with pH levels from acid to alkaline. It prefers moist but well-drained or well-drained soils and remains of interest through both summer and winter seasons.
About the genus
Plantago is a genus of about 200 species of flowering plants in the family Plantaginaceae, commonly called plantains or fleaworts. The common name plantain is shared with the unrelated cooking plantain. Most are herbaceous plants, though a few are subshrubs growing to 60 centimetres tall.
Wikipedia contributors, "Plantago", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Plantago
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Plantago
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Plantago lanceolata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Plantago lanceolata
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Plantago lanceolata?
Plantago lanceolata prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Plantago lanceolata need?
Plantago lanceolata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Plantago lanceolata grow?
Plantago lanceolata reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1 year to reach full size.
Is Plantago lanceolata hardy in the UK?
Plantago lanceolata has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Plantago lanceolata?
Seed, Division.