Plantago media

RHS Plant Profile
hoary plantain

Other common names

fire leaves, fireweed, healing herb, kemps, lamb's ear, lamb's legs, lamb's tongue, llwynhidydd llwyd

Herbaceous Perennial

An herbaceous perennial that forms a basal rosette of soft, green, lanceolate to elliptic leaves 7-12 cm long with prominent parallel veins. It grows 15-50 cm tall with a spread of about 10cm. From May to September, it produces small, pinkish-white flowers in dense cylindrical spikes on tall, slender stems

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Plantaginaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous, Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
A genus of 200 species of flowering plants, mainly herbaceous but with a small number of subshrubs, and often classed as a weed. Broad or narrow foliage with long stalks of inconspicuous flowers that are wind-pollinated
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Europe, N Asia

How to Grow

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

Propagation

Propagates by seed, wind pollinated

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free