Overview
Symphytum cycladense is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Symphytum, part of the Boraginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Symphytum cycladense grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds and ground cover.
About
Symphytum cycladense is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the Symphytum genus, known for its rhizomatous growth and broad leaves. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and adapts well to various soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions. It is hardy to UK zone H7 and is suitable for cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens, flower borders, and as ground cover. Symphytum cycladense flowers in spring and summer, adding seasonal interest to the garden.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Symphytum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Symphytum cycladense size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Ground cover
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Symphytum cycladense
- Propagation
- Division of fleshy roots in spring, Root cuttings in early winter
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Symphytum cycladense?
Symphytum cycladense prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Symphytum cycladense need?
Symphytum cycladense is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.
Is Symphytum cycladense hardy in the UK?
Symphytum cycladense has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Symphytum cycladense?
Division of fleshy roots in spring, Root cuttings in early winter.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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More in the Symphytum genus
- Symphytum caucasicumCaucasian comfrey
- Symphytum grandiflorum 'Variegatum'Creeping Comfrey
- Symphytum × uplandicumRussian comfrey
- Symphytum × uplandicum 'Variegatum'Variegated Comfrey
- Symphytum 'Moorland Heather'Comfrey
- Symphytum rubrum of gardenscomfrey 'Rubrum'