Overview
Plantago major subsp. intermedia is a herbaceous perennial, subshrub herbaceous perennial in the genus Plantago, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with broad or narrow leaves foliage. Plantago major subsp. intermedia grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include ground cover, edible leaves and medicinal uses.
About
Plantago major subsp. intermedia is a herbaceous perennial cultivar within the Plantago genus, which includes around 200 species of mostly herbaceous plants with broad or narrow leaves and elongated flower stalks. This subspecies thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers fertile, well-drained soils such as chalk, clay, loam, or sand with a range of pH levels. It is hardy to UK zone H4 and is suited to sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspects. It is valued for its edible leaves and medicinal uses, making it a practical ground cover during spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Plantago
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Plantago major subsp. intermedia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Herbaceous perennial, Subshrub
- Foliage
- Broad or narrow leaves
- Suggested uses
- Ground cover, Edible leaves, Medicinal uses
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Plantago major subsp. intermedia
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Root cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-resistant
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Plantago major subsp. intermedia?
Plantago major subsp. intermedia prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Plantago major subsp. intermedia need?
Plantago major subsp. intermedia 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 well-drained.
Is Plantago major subsp. intermedia hardy in the UK?
Plantago major subsp. intermedia has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Plantago major subsp. intermedia?
Seed, Division, Root cuttings.
More in the Plantago genus
- PlantagoEnglishman's foot
- Plantago albicans
- Plantago asiatica 'Variegata' (v)
- Plantago ciliata
- Plantago depressa
- Plantago lagopus
- Plantago lanceolataribwort plantain
- Plantago lanceolata 'Blond Bomi-noka'