Symphytum × uplandicum 'Moorland Heather'

RHS Plant Profile

Russian comfrey 'Moorland Heather'

Synonyms

Symphytum 'Moorland Heather'

Herbaceous Perennial

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Upright perennial forming large clumps of bristly, oblong to elliptic, mid-green leaves, and produces clusters of small, deep purple flowers in late spring and early summer, and later in the year if cut down 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