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Herbaceous Perennial

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 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H7
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

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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