Plantago media L.
Hoary Plantain
Hoary plantain is a native perennial of well-drained, lime-rich ground, and the most ornamental of our wild plantains. It forms a flat rosette of broad, oval, softly hairy leaves that give the plant a greyish, downy look, the "hoary" of its name.
About
Hoary plantain is a native perennial of well-drained, lime-rich ground, and the most ornamental of our wild plantains. It forms a flat rosette of broad, oval, softly hairy leaves that give the plant a greyish, downy look, the "hoary" of its name. In contrast to other plantains, its flower spikes are genuinely showy: dense, pale columns studded with lilac-pink stamens and carrying a light, sweet scent.
It favours calcareous grassland, chalk downs, old pastures, verges and short turf, growing best in full sun on soils that are not too rich. Unusually for the genus, it is largely insect-pollinated, and the fragrant, colourful flowers draw bees and other visitors through late spring and summer. Because it stays low and copes with grazing and mowing, it is a valuable addition to chalk and limestone meadow mixes, adding both pollinator interest and a touch of colour to short grassland.
Synonyms
Plantago minor
In our seed mixes
- BFS 11 – Coastal Meadow Grassland Seed Mix
- BFS 12 – Green Roof Wildflower Seed Mix
- BFS 130 – Flowering Grassless Lawn Wildflower Seed Mix – 100% Flora
- BFS 7 – Calcareous Grassland Wildflower Seed Mix
- BFS11(F)- Coastal Meadow 100% Wildflower Meadow Mix
- BFS12(F) – Greenroof 100% Wildflower Seed Mix
- BFS7(F)- Calcareous Grassland 100% Wildflower Seed Mix
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.