About

Flowers are purple-blue, appearing from late spring through to summer. Vigorous, clump-forming, upright perennial to 2m tall, with oblong mid-green leaves. This plant is a sterile hybrid, it won't self seed and is non-invasive.

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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 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 moderately fertile, moist but free draining soil in sun or partial shade. Plants are sterile and non-invasive
PruningCut back to the ground in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in spring. Take root cuttings in early winter
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free