About

Plantago media, hoary plantain, is a herbaceous perennial forming a basal rosette of soft, green, lanceolate to elliptic leaves to 12 cm long with prominent, parallel veins. From May to September, small, pinkish-white flowers in dense, cylindrical spikes are produced on tall, slender stems. An attractive native for a wildflower meadow or lawn.

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.

Plant details

Suggested usesBorders, hedging, specimen planting.

Care notes

CultivationPlant in well-drained soil in sun or part shade.
PruningPrune after flowering or late winter.
PropagationPropagate by division, cuttings, or seed.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant.