Overview
Symphytum orientale is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Symphytum, part of the Boraginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Symphytum orientale 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 orientale is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Boraginaceae. It was first described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Symphytum orientale
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
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Symphytum orientale size, habit and characteristics
- 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 orientale
- Propagation
- Division of fleshy roots in spring, Root cuttings in early winter, 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 orientale?
Symphytum orientale prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Symphytum orientale need?
Symphytum orientale 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.
Is Symphytum orientale hardy in the UK?
Symphytum orientale 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 orientale?
Division of fleshy roots in spring, Root cuttings in early winter, Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or spring.
More in the Symphytum genus
- Symphytum × uplandicum 'Variegatum'Variegated Comfrey
- Symphytum 'Moorland Heather'Comfrey
- Symphytum rubrum of gardenscomfrey 'Rubrum'