About
Clump-forming, softly-hairy perennial about 40-60cm tall, with oblong, wrinkled, dark green leaves, and bearing pendent clusters of tubular, funnel-shaped pure white flowers in late spring and early summer.
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 typeLoam, Clay, Chalk
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
ToxicityHarmful if eaten repeatedly. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (rabbits, rodents): Harmful if eaten repeatedly - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in sun or partial shade in moist, moderately fertile soil. Whilst it may have the potential to become a nuisance, the risk is less compared to some other Symphytum species, but it self-seeds readily
PruningGenerally not required but old or fading foliage can be trimmed
PropagationPropagate by division, seed or root cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free