About
Vigorous, clump-forming perennial to 60cm tall, with upright bristly stems and dark green leaves to 5cm long. Bears panicle-like clusters of tubular, bright crimson-red flowers from late spring to 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, Acid, Alkaline
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
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. Spreading in habit but should be less of a nuisance than some other very vigorous Symphytum species
PruningGenerally not required but old or fading foliage can be trimmed
PropagationPropagate by division or root cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free