Symphytum × uplandicum 'Variegatum' (v)
variegated Russian comfrey
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
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Pink | Green Grey Silver Cream | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Pink | Green Grey Silver Cream | ||
Autumn | Green Grey Silver Cream | |||
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 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow 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
Propagation
Propagate by division of fleshy roots in spring. Propagate by root cuttings in early winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut down flower stems when faded to tidy and encourage further flowers
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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