Overview
Symphytum grandiflorum 'Variegatum' is a perennial in the genus Symphytum, part of the Boraginaceae family. It typically grows around 0.4 m tall. Symphytum grandiflorum 'Variegatum' grows best in full shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover. It is native to Caucasus.
About
Symphytum grandiflorum 'Variegatum' is a perennial ground cover from the Caucasus that suits consistently shady sites and reaches about 0.4 m. It favours moist but well-drained sandy, loamy or clay soils and tolerates deep shade. Fully hardy in UK gardens (H7), it flowers in the UK from April to June. Plant where a low, spreading cover is wanted beneath trees or along shaded borders.
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
In the garden
Symphytum grandiflorum 'Variegatum' is a perennial in the borage family originating from the Caucasus. As a ground cover it stays low to the ground, forming a permanent understorey where trees or tall shrubs provide shade. In the UK it reliably flowers from April to June. Give it full shade to shade exposure and soil that remains moist but drains freely; it will accept sandy, loamy or clay textures. Height is about 0.4 m, and the cultivar is fully hardy in UK conditions (H7) and also suits USDA zones 3–9. Space plants to form an even cover and keep soil evenly damp during establishment. Use it to suppress weeds and knit borders where a low layer is needed beneath larger plants. Its low habit and April–June flowering make it useful for creating a continuous shaded carpet that will conceal bare ground through spring and early summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Symphytum
- Sunlight
- Full shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- Shade
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Symphytum grandiflorum 'Variegatum' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 0.4 m
- Suggested uses
- Groundcover
- Native to
- Caucasus
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Symphytum grandiflorum 'Variegatum'
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Symphytum grandiflorum 'Variegatum'?
Symphytum grandiflorum 'Variegatum' prefers full shade. It suits shade positions.
What soil does Symphytum grandiflorum 'Variegatum' need?
Symphytum grandiflorum 'Variegatum' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Symphytum grandiflorum 'Variegatum' grow?
Symphytum grandiflorum 'Variegatum' reaches a height of 0.4 m.
Is Symphytum grandiflorum 'Variegatum' hardy in the UK?
Symphytum grandiflorum 'Variegatum' 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 'Variegatum'?
Division, Seed.
More in the Symphytum genus
- Symphytum × uplandicum 'Variegatum'Variegated Comfrey
- Symphytum 'Moorland Heather'Comfrey
- Symphytum rubrum of gardenscomfrey 'Rubrum'