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Herbaceous Perennial

Symphytum orientale

white comfrey

Clump-forming, softly-hairy perennial about 40-60cm tall, with oblong, wrinkled, dark green leaves, and bearing pendent clusters of tubular, funnel-shaped pure white flowers in late spring and early summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Clay
Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral, Alkaline, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical 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
Genus

Symphytum are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials, sometimes invasive, with large leaves and nodding clusters of tubular flowers

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in sun or partial shade in moist, moderately fertile soil. Whilst it may have the potential to become a nuisance, the risk is less compared to some other Symphytum species, but it self-seeds readily

Propagation

Propagate by division, seed or root cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
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.