Overview
Symphytum 'Empire' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Symphytum, part of the Boraginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Symphytum 'Empire' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, wildflower meadow and cottage and informal garden.
About
Symphytum 'Empire' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Symphytum, known for its rhizomatous growth and broad leaves. This deciduous cultivar thrives in a variety of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, and tolerates a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can be grown in both exposed and sheltered locations. Suitable for wildlife gardens, wildflower meadows, and informal cottage gardens, 'Empire' is hardy to UK zone H7 and flowers in spring and summer.
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 'Empire' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Symphytum 'Empire'
- Propagation
- Propagate by division of fleshy roots in spring. Propagate by root cuttings in early winter. Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Symphytum 'Empire'?
Symphytum 'Empire' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Symphytum 'Empire' need?
Symphytum 'Empire' 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 'Empire' hardy in the UK?
Symphytum 'Empire' 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 'Empire'?
Propagate by division of fleshy roots in spring. Propagate by root cuttings in early winter. Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or spring.
More in the Symphytum genus
- Symphytum 'Langthorns Pink'
- Symphytum ibericum 'All Gold'
- Symphytum tauricumCrimean comfrey
- Symphytum 'Angela Whinfield'
- Symphytum 'Moorland Heather'Comfrey
- Symphytum caucasicum pale blue-flowered
- Symphytum cycladense
- Symphytum ibericum variegated (v)