Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in border:
Front, middle

Soil

Prefers rich soil:
Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Comfrey, Symphytum x uplandicum, is a low-maintenance, weed-smothering ground cover plant that is tolerant of poor soil and neglect, and is particularly useful for wild or woodland gardens or under trees and shrubs. However it can become rather invasive. It has plain green foliage and, in spring, short stems of red buds open to clusters of nodding purple flowers held just above the leaves. The slightly coarse bristly foliage is useful for putting onto the compost heap when cleared at the end of the season, and may also be made into comfrey liquid fertiliser.

Grow Symphytum x uplandicum in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. To propagate, divide plants in spring.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyes
Plantyesyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes
Divideyesyesyesyesyesyes

Symphytum and wildlife

Symphytum is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Symphytum poisonous?

Symphytum can be toxic.

Toxic to:
Is known to attract Cats
Cats
Is known to attract Dogs
Dogs
No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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