Overview
Plantago maritima is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Plantago, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Plantago maritima grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens.
About
Plantago maritima, the sea plantain, seaside plantain or goose tongue, is a species of flowering plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae. It has a subcosmopolitan distribution in temperate and Arctic regions, native to most of Europe, northwest Africa, northern and central Asia, northern North America, and southern South America. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). Suggested uses include wildlife gardens. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or part shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Plantago maritima
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 maritima size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Plantago maritima
- Propagation
- Propagates by seed, wind pollinated
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to leaf beetles, weevils and caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Plantago maritima?
Plantago maritima prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Plantago maritima need?
Plantago maritima 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.
Is Plantago maritima hardy in the UK?
Plantago maritima 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 maritima?
Propagates by seed, wind pollinated.
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'