Symphytum grandiflorum 'Hidcote Blue'
Hidcote comfrey
Upright, clump-forming, hairy perennial to 45cm tall, with oval, wrinkled and veined mid-green leaves. Clusters of red buds appear during spring, opening to tubular pale blue flowers
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing or North–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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist soil in sun or partial shade. Be aware this plant has the potential to become a nuisance, so may require appropriate management
Propagation
Propagate by division of fleshy roots in spring or from root cuttings in early winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
Cut back after flowering to encourage neat, young foliage
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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