Photo of Plantago major 'Purple Perversion' by Arrowhead Alpines

Photo by Arrowhead Alpines

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Plantago major 'Purple Perversion'

Also Known As

  • Plantain

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 12"
  • W: 12"

planting zones

  • 4a-10a

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Plantago major 'Purple Perversion' plant details

Plantago major 'Purple Perversion' is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial with green and purple foliage. In summer purple flowers emerge. Attracts beneficial insects, birds and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - shade and regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Plantago major 'Purple Perversion'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: plantaginaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green and purple
Mature size: 12 IN wide, 12 IN tall
Flowers: purple blooms in summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Plantago major 'Purple Perversion'

USDA Zones: 4a - 10a
Sun exposure: sun - shade
Watering frequency: regular
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

I've got something of a fascination with weeds, and when I learned there were several different odd forms of that ubiquitous lawn weed, Plantago major, I had to collect them and start breeding them. The result is this rather beautiful little plant. Leaf margins are exuberantly ruffled and frilled, and the whole thing is a rich purple-red color that intensifies in cooler weather and in the full sun. Don't be fooled by the frills and pretty color, however, this thing is still a total weed. It does come true from seed (provided it doesn't hybridize with your local green ones) and will spread via seed far and wide in the garden. You have to be a little perverse to want to grow a weed, but hey, look at it this way. You are going to have plantago in your yard no matter what you do. Why not have gorgeous ones? Zone 4, at least. ? Joseph

Gardening facts about Plantago major 'Purple Perversion' plant

How to Grow Plantago major 'Purple Perversion'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - shade
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Water Needs

    • regular

Features

  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • purple
  • Flower Color

    • purple
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • birds
    • butterflies

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