A striking red leaved variety of common plantain with deeply veined leaves, that makes an attractive ornamental plant for containers and borders.

• Easy to grow
• Self-seeds
• Useful medicinal plant
• Attractive foliage

With a long history of folk medicine, plantain was one of the nine sacred herbs used in the Anglo-Saxon charm written in the eleventh or twelfth century in the Lacnunga a collection of medical texts.

Plant care

• Height: 30-60cm
• Type: Hardy
• Aspect: Sun/shade
• Soil: Any/alkaline
• Flower colour: Brown
• Flowering period: June-September

Plantain grows wild in the UK, preferring rough ground that has been disturbed and like all plantain, this ruby leaved variety seeds itself well it is easy to cut off the seed spikes if you dont want it to spread. An attractive foliage herb for containers, plantain dies down each winter.

Usage

Plantain leaves contain mucilage compounds which help reduce inflammation and irritation in the lungs, easing and removing catarrh. Gargling an infusion of the leaves can help with sore throats.