About
Upright, clump-forming perennial to about 90cm tall, with bristly, textured, oblong leaves 15-25cm in length, mid to dark green splashed pale green and yellow. Small tubular purple flowers are carried in terminal clusters, over a long period 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 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
Height0.5-1 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 soil in sun or partial shade. Be aware the plant growth can be vigorous once established and has the potential to become a nuisance, so may require appropriate management
PruningCut down flower stems when faded to tidy and encourage further flowers
PropagationPropagate by division of fleshy roots in spring. Propagate by root cuttings in early winter
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free