About
Spreading, hairy, deciduous perennial about 40cm tall, with mid-green leaves up to 25cm long. In late spring and early summer it bears one-sided sprays of hanging, tubular, cream flowers, opening from red-flushed buds.
About the genus
Symphytum are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials, sometimes invasive, with large leaves and nodding clusters of tubular flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toCaucasus
ToxicityHarmful if eaten repeatedly. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 17886,symphytum-officinale,Symphytum officinale,common comfrey,Vigorous perennial about 1.5m tall
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, moist soil in sun or partial shade. Be aware the plant growth can be vigorous once established and has the potential to become a nuisance, so will require appropriate management
PruningCut back after flowering to encourage neat, young foliage
PropagationPropagate 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 resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free