About
Plantago maritima, sea plantain, is a low-growing, tufted perennial producing narrow, fleshy, grey-green, strap-shaped leaves and slender spikes of tiny, wind-pollinated flowers in summer. Native to coastal habitats, salt marshes and mountain ledges. A rewarding and ornamental native plant for a sunny, well-drained, coastal position.
About the genus
Plantago, the plantains, are annuals, perennials and subshrubs with simple, broad or narrow leaves in basal rosettes and slender, cylindrical or ovoid spikes of small, wind-pollinated flowers. Most are common grassland plants; some are ornamental.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationPrefers well-drained soil and open, sunny positions but grows well in all but the most acidic soil. Sometimes considered a weed in gardens, although the seeds can provide winter food for songbirds so it is sometimes used in wildflower planting
PruningRemove before flowering to prevent spread
PropagationPropagates by seed, wind pollinated
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf beetles, weevils and caterpillars
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free