Symphytum × uplandicum 'Moorland Heather'

RHS Plant Profile
Russian comfrey 'Moorland Heather'

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Synonyms

Symphytum 'Moorland Heather'

Herbaceous Perennial
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An upright perennial forming large clumps of bristly, oblong to elliptic, mid-green leaves. Clusters of small, deep purple flowers appear in late spring and early summer, and may provide another flush of flowers later in the year if cut back in summer

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Clay, Chalk

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Clay Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral or Acid or Alkaline

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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 the plant growth can be vigorous once established and has the potential to become a nuisance, so will require appropriate management

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring. Take root cuttings in early winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

Cut down faded flowers in late summer to produce another flush of flower

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free