Overview
Symphytum grandiflorum 'Hidcote Blue' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Symphytum, part of the Boraginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.4 m tall. Symphytum grandiflorum 'Hidcote Blue' grows best in full shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover and shade garden. It is native to Caucasus region.
About
Symphytum grandiflorum, the creeping comfrey, or running comfrey is a species of flowering plant in the family Boraginaceae. It is native to the Caucasus region, and introduced to various locales in Europe as a garden escapee.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Symphytum grandiflorum
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 shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Shade
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Symphytum grandiflorum 'Hidcote Blue' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.4 m
- Suggested uses
- Groundcover, Shade garden
- Native to
- Caucasus region
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Symphytum grandiflorum 'Hidcote Blue'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in shaded areas; avoid waterlogging
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Symphytum grandiflorum 'Hidcote Blue'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in shaded areas; avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Symphytum grandiflorum 'Hidcote Blue'?
Symphytum grandiflorum 'Hidcote Blue' prefers full shade. It suits shade positions.
What soil does Symphytum grandiflorum 'Hidcote Blue' need?
Symphytum grandiflorum 'Hidcote Blue' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Symphytum grandiflorum 'Hidcote Blue'?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
How big does Symphytum grandiflorum 'Hidcote Blue' grow?
Symphytum grandiflorum 'Hidcote Blue' reaches a height of 0.4 m.
Is Symphytum grandiflorum 'Hidcote Blue' hardy in the UK?
Symphytum grandiflorum 'Hidcote Blue' 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 grandiflorum 'Hidcote Blue'?
Division, Seed.
More in the Symphytum genus
- Symphytum × uplandicum 'Variegatum'Variegated Comfrey

- Symphytum 'Moorland Heather'Comfrey
- Symphytum rubrum of gardenscomfrey 'Rubrum'