Photo of Plantago major 'Rubrifolia' foliage by Andrey Zharkikh

Photo by Andrey Zharkikh

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

Show all photos

Buy 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

3.5" | $13

Ships USPS, based on weight/location

Fewer than 15 at Secret Garden Growers

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

We independently publish plant data to search multiple nurseries at once. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases when you buy through our links.

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

See other plant types of Plantago for your garden

aka Mexican Plantain, Plantain, Southern Plantain

Plant Type

Perennial, Herb

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 12"

Width: 12"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - low
Photo of Plantago australis foliage, form by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Plantago brunnea, Plantago fastigiata, Plantago gooddingii, Plantago insularis, Plantago minima, Blonde Psyllium, Desert Indianwheat, Desert Plantain, Indian Plantago, Isabgol, Woolly Plantain

Plant Type

Herb, Annual / Biennial

Zones

2a-12

Size

Height: 8"

Width: 12"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular
Photo of Plantago ovata close-up, flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

6a-10b

Size

Height: 1"

Width: 3"

  • sun
  • regular
Photo of Plantago nivalis flower, form by Susana Rams
View Plant

More Options

aka Rose Plantain

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-10b

Size

Height: 6"-10"

Width: 6"-10"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Plantago major 'Rosularis' foliage by SB_Johnny
View Plant

More Options

aka Tall Coastal Plantain

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 6"-12"

Width: 12"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Plantago subnuda flower by The Watershed Nursery
View Plant

More Options

+7 more Plantago
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved