About
Clump-forming perennial to about 90cm in height, with oblong, bristly leaves 15-25cm in length, grey-green with a broad creamy-white margin. Small tubular pale lilac-pink flowers are carried in terminal clusters, from late spring to late 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, Poorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing, North-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 full sun or partial shade. Variegated forms don't have as much potential to become a nuisance as the green-leaved forms, but still site with care
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