Overview
Symphytum caucasicum is a perennial herb in the genus Symphytum, part of the Boraginaceae family. Symphytum caucasicum grows best in partial shade and full sun, and tolerates loamy and well-drained soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include ornamental, ground cover and erosion control. It is native to Caucasus and Iran.
About
Symphytum caucasicum is a perennial herb in the Boraginaceae grown for its spring flowers and ground-covering habit. It flowers April to June and favours moist, loamy, well-drained soils. Tolerant of partial shade to full sun and hardy in UK conditions (H5). Wear gloves when handling and avoid planting where animals may graze repeatedly.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Symphytum caucasicum
About the genus
Symphytum is a genus of flowering plants in the borage family, Boraginaceae, known by the common name comfrey.
Wikipedia contributors, "Symphytum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Symphytum
In the garden
Symphytum caucasicum is a perennial herb from the Caucasus and Iran, placed in the borage family. Gardeners grow it primarily for its spring display and its tendency to form a covering layer of foliage that suits damp sites. Its flowering season is April to June. Plant into loamy, well-drained soil that stays moist; it will tolerate a range of pH from slightly acidic through neutral to slightly alkaline. Give it partial shade to full sun and note its UK hardiness rating of H5, which corresponds to a hardy garden perennial. Keep soil reliably moist rather than letting the planting sit bone-dry. Use Caucasian comfrey as an ornamental ground cover or for erosion control on banks and embankments where moisture is retained. Take care when handling: the leaves and roots are harmful if eaten repeatedly, so wear gloves and protective equipment when cutting or dividing. If you have rabbits or rodents, keep them away — for contact numbers and more detail consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants. Situate plants so their April–June flowers are visible from paths, and away from grazing animals that might feed on the foliage.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Symphytum
- Sunlight
- partial shade, full sun
- Soil type
- loamy, well-drained
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic, slightly alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Symphytum caucasicum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herb
- Suggested uses
- ornamental, ground cover, erosion control
- Native to
- Caucasus, Iran
- Toxicity
- Harmful if eaten repeatedly. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (rabbits, rodents): Harmful if eaten repeatedly - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Symphytum caucasicum
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, fertile soil; tolerates partial shade; avoid waterlogged conditions
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- division, root cuttings
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Symphytum caucasicum?
Prefers moist, fertile soil; tolerates partial shade; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Symphytum caucasicum?
Symphytum caucasicum prefers partial shade and full sun.
What soil does Symphytum caucasicum need?
Symphytum caucasicum grows best in loamy and well-drained soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Symphytum caucasicum?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
Is Symphytum caucasicum hardy in the UK?
Symphytum caucasicum has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Symphytum caucasicum?
Division, root cuttings.
Is Symphytum caucasicum toxic?
Harmful if eaten repeatedly. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (rabbits, rodents): Harmful if eaten repeatedly - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.
More in the Symphytum genus
- Symphytum × uplandicum 'Variegatum'Variegated Comfrey
- Symphytum 'Moorland Heather'Comfrey
- Symphytum rubrum of gardenscomfrey 'Rubrum'