Overview
Symphytum × uplandicum is a perennial herb in the genus Symphytum, part of the Boraginaceae family. Symphytum × uplandicum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include ground cover, green manure and compost activator. It is native to hybrid species and not native.
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 × uplandicum is a hybrid perennial in the borage family (Boraginaceae) and belongs to the genus Symphytum; it is not a native species. Gardeners favour it where a robust, soil-improving plant is needed rather than for fine ornamental detail. Plant it in full sun or partial shade on loamy, sandy or clay soils with a neutral to alkaline pH; the soil should be moist but well drained. It tolerates both sheltered and exposed positions and carries an H5 rating, meaning it is hardy across most of the UK. Expect flowering in the UK from April to June. Practical uses are where this plant excels: as a ground cover to protect soil, as green manure to return bulk plant material to beds, or as a compost activator to speed decomposition. Handle foliage with gloves and other protective equipment because repeated ingestion is harmful; likewise it can be harmful to rabbits and rodents if eaten repeatedly — for further information and emergency contacts see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants. Leaves are commonly cut and added to the compost heap or dug in as green manure to recycle nutrients.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Symphytum
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- loamy, sandy, clay
- Soil pH
- neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist, well-drained
- Exposure
- sheltered, exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Symphytum × uplandicum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herb
- Suggested uses
- ground cover, green manure, compost activator
- Native to
- hybrid species, not native
- Toxicity
- Harmful 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
Pruning and caring for Symphytum × uplandicum
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, fertile soil; tolerant of a range of soil types; avoid waterlogged conditions
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- division, root cuttings
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Symphytum × uplandicum?
Prefers moist, fertile soil; tolerant of a range of soil types; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Symphytum × uplandicum?
Symphytum × uplandicum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered and exposed positions.
What soil does Symphytum × uplandicum need?
Symphytum × uplandicum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loamy, sandy and clay. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I prune Symphytum × uplandicum?
Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
Is Symphytum × uplandicum hardy in the UK?
Symphytum × uplandicum has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Symphytum × uplandicum?
Division, root cuttings.
Is Symphytum × uplandicum toxic?
Harmful 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.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Symphytum genus
- Symphytum caucasicumCaucasian comfrey
- Symphytum grandiflorum 'Variegatum'Creeping Comfrey
- Symphytum × uplandicum 'Variegatum'Variegated Comfrey
- Symphytum 'Moorland Heather'Comfrey
- Symphytum rubrum of gardenscomfrey 'Rubrum'