Overview
Plantago media is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Plantago, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with deciduous, 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 media grows best in full sun and partial shade, 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. It is native to Europe and N Asia.
About
Plantago media is a herbaceous perennial known for its compact growth habit. It develops a rosette of soft, green leaves that are lance-shaped to oval, measuring between 7 and 12 cm in length, characterized by distinct parallel veins. The plant typically reaches a height of 15 to 50 cm and spreads roughly 10 cm across. From May to September, it bears clusters of small, pinkish-white flowers that emerge in dense, cylindrical spikes atop slender stems.
About the genus
This genus comprises approximately 200 species of flowering plants, predominantly herbaceous, though it includes a few subshrubs as well. Many species are frequently categorized as weeds. The plants feature either broad or narrow leaves and produce elongated flower stalks bearing flowers that are not easily noticeable, relying on wind for pollination.
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
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Plantago media size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous, 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
- Native to
- Europe, N Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Plantago media
- Cultivation
- Most vigorous in open, sunny sites, but will tolerate a range of positions and soil types, including heavy and compacted soils. See Creating wildflower meadows for further advice
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagates by seed, wind pollinated
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Plantago media?
Most vigorous in open, sunny sites, but will tolerate a range of positions and soil types, including heavy and compacted soils. See Creating wildflower meadows for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Plantago media?
Plantago media prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Plantago media need?
Plantago media 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.
How do I prune Plantago media?
No pruning required.
How big does Plantago media grow?
Plantago media 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 media hardy in the UK?
Plantago media has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Plantago media?
Propagates by seed, wind pollinated.