Overview
Symphytum tauricum is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Symphytum, part of the Boraginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Symphytum tauricum 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 tauricum, commonly known as Crimean comfrey or crimson comfrey, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the Boraginaceae family. Like other Symphytum species, it features broad, deciduous leaves and produces clusters of nodding, tubular flowers in spring and summer. This cultivar thrives in fertile, well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types and pH levels, growing well in full sun or partial shade. It is suitable for cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens, flower borders, and as ground cover, with a hardy nature suitable for UK conditions.
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, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Symphytum tauricum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- 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 tauricum
- Propagation
- Division of fleshy roots in spring, Root cuttings in early winter
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Symphytum tauricum?
Symphytum tauricum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Symphytum tauricum need?
Symphytum tauricum 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 to poorly-drained.
Is Symphytum tauricum hardy in the UK?
Symphytum tauricum 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 tauricum?
Division of fleshy roots in spring, Root cuttings in early winter.
More in the Symphytum genus
- Symphytum 'Langthorns Pink'
- Symphytum ibericum 'All Gold'
- Symphytum 'Angela Whinfield'
- Symphytum 'Empire'
- Symphytum 'Moorland Heather'Comfrey
- Symphytum caucasicum pale blue-flowered
- Symphytum cycladense
- Symphytum ibericum variegated (v)