Photo of Plantago major 'Rubrifolia' foliage by Andrey Zharkikh

Photo by Andrey Zharkikh

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Plantago major 'Rubrifolia'

Also Known As

  • Plantago major 'Atropurpurea'
  • Burgundy Plantain
  • Purple-leaved Plantain
  • Red-leaved Plantain

Plant type

perennial, aquatic

size

  • H: 8"-10"
  • W: 12"-18"

planting zones

  • 4a-10a

More Options

Plantago major 'Rubrifolia' plant details

Plantago major 'Rubrifolia' is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial aquatic with black, bronze, burgundy, green and purple foliage. In spring and summer green and tan flowers emerge. Attracts beneficial insects, birds and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and standing water - occasional water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, alkaline, average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Plantago major 'Rubrifolia'

Plant type: perennial aquatic
Plant family: plantaginaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen black, bronze, burgundy, green and purple
Mature size: 12 IN - 18 IN - wide, 8 IN - 10 IN - tall
Flowers: green and tan blooms in spring and summer
Uses: border plant, clumping, container plant, fall color, ornamental, self-sowing, textural

GROWING CONDITIONS for Plantago major 'Rubrifolia'

USDA Zones: 4a - 10a
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: standing water - occasional
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: acidic, alkaline, average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This handsome foliage plant (which can spread) forms a clump of lance-shaped leaves which are a bronzy-purple above and bronzy green beneath. S/M
A Hosta relative, this clumper will hold it's rich color even in full sun with adequate water – also part shade will do. Not fussy about soil…wet soils, bogs, pond edge. Ours reseeds around in the lawn, we like it! 8-10" tall and 12-18" wide, flower stalks are pretty but this baby is all about FOLIAGE!

Gardening facts about Plantago major 'Rubrifolia' plant

How to Grow Plantago major 'Rubrifolia'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • standing water - occasional
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • acidic
    • alkaline
    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • bronze
    • green
    • burgundy
    • purple
    • black
  • Flower Color

    • green
    • tan
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • birds
    • butterflies
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen
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