code: 753
This is a superb plant where foliage and form are required
Family: Plantaginaceae
Plant Classification: Hardy perennial
Minimum Height: 30 cm
Maximum Height: 45 cm
A deep purple form of the “Giant Plantain” coming completely true from seed with large shiny purple leaves producing a most impressive rosette from which arise long thin poker-like seed heads. This is a superb plant where foliage and form are required.
Sowing advice:
For best results, sow seeds immediately onto a good soil-based compost. Cover the seeds with fine grit or compost to approximately their own depth. They can be sown at any time, and germination can sometimes be quicker if kept at 15 to 20 degrees C. However, we sow most seeds in an unheated greenhouse and wait for natural germination as many seeds have built-in dormancy mechanisms, and often wait for spring before emerging regardless of when they are sown. But spring sowing will obviously give them a full season of growth if successful germination occurs.
Uses:
The mature plant contains pliable and tough fibres that can be used in survival situations to make small cords, fishing line, sutures, or braiding.
Some cultivars are planted as ornamentals in gardens, including ‘Rubrifolia’ with purple leaves, and ‘Variegata’ with variegated leaves.
The leaves are edible as a salad green when young and tender.
