About
Upright perennial forming large clumps of bristly, oblong to elliptic, mid-green leaves, and produces clusters of small, deep purple flowers in late spring and early summer, and later in the year if cut down in summer.
About the genus
Symphytum are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials, sometimes invasive, with large leaves and nodding clusters of tubular flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Clay, Chalk
Soil pHNeutral, Acid, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
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 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 will require appropriate management
PruningCut down faded flowers in late summer to produce another flush of flower
PropagationPropagate by division in spring. Take root cuttings in early winter
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free