Symphytum grandiflorum
creeping comfrey
Spreading, hairy, deciduous perennial about 40cm tall, with mid-green leaves up to 25cm long. In late spring and early summer it bears one-sided sprays of hanging, tubular, cream flowers, opening from red-flushed buds
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red Cream | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Cream | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- 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
- Genus
Symphytum are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials, sometimes invasive, with large leaves and nodding clusters of tubular flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Caucasus
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow 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
Propagation
Propagate by division of fleshy roots in spring. Propagate by root cuttings in early winter. Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Banks and slopes
- Ground cover
Pruning
Cut back after flowering to encourage neat, young foliage
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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