Evergreen Plantain (Plantago sempervirens)

Evergreen Plantain

Plantago sempervirens

Its narrow evergreen leaves hold year-round texture, a low-maintenance groundcover. Perennial herbaceous plant; common name: evergreen plantain.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal wind, salt spray, and dry, arid conditions
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Watering Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil dries out; highly drought-tolerant once established
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Temperature Hardy to -5°C; withstands hot, dry summer temperatures and cool, mild winter conditions
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Narrow, linear evergreen leaves with leathery texture, arranged in dense basal rosettes
  • Flower: Slender, upright wiry spikes bearing tiny greenish-white, inconspicuous blooms
  • Stem: Smooth, rigid flowering stems rise 20–40 cm above the basal foliage
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil slightly moist during active growth periods

Fertilization

Light, diluted balanced feed once monthly. Fertilizer is rarely needed; only apply if soil is severely nutrient-poor

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush fully dried eggshells into fine powder; lightly mix into topsoil to improve drainage and add slow-release calcium without odor
Pruning
  • Trim spent flower spikes after blooming to maintain tidy growth and reduce self-seeding
  • Remove yellowing or damaged basal leaves as needed to improve airflow
  • Thin overcrowded clumps in early spring to prevent dense, compacted growth
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic; no adverse effects for cats

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known ingestion or contact risks

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Low-growing groundcover for rock gardens; erosion control on sloped terrain