Symphytum 'Rubrum'
comfrey 'Rubrum'
Vigorous, clump-forming perennial to 60cm tall, with upright bristly stems and dark green leaves to 5cm long. Bears panicle-like clusters of tubular, bright crimson-red flowers from late spring to summer
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
Neutral, Acid, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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 sun or partial shade in moist, moderately fertile soil. Spreading in habit but should be less of a nuisance than some other very vigorous Symphytum species
Propagation
Propagate by division or root cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Generally not required but old or fading foliage can be trimmed
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.