Overview
Plantago sempervirens is a herbaceous perennial, subshrub herbaceous perennial in the genus Plantago, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with broad or narrow leaves foliage. Plantago sempervirens 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 sempervirens, commonly known as shrubby plantain, is a herbaceous perennial or subshrub within the Plantago genus. This plant features broad or narrow leaves and produces elongated flower stalks with inconspicuous flowers that rely on wind for pollination. It thrives in well-drained soils such as chalk, clay, loam, or sand, and prefers full sun to partial shade with a sheltered aspect. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for ground cover and offers edible leaves as well as medicinal uses. It is best planted in spring or summer and can be propagated by seed, division, or root cuttings.
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 sempervirens 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 sempervirens
- 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 sempervirens?
Plantago sempervirens prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Plantago sempervirens need?
Plantago sempervirens 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 sempervirens hardy in the UK?
Plantago sempervirens 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 sempervirens?
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'