Ornamental Comfrey Symphytum grandiflorum
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- sim-FY-tum gran-dih-FLORE-um
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Comfrey is a perennial groundcover in the Boraginaceae (borage) family native to Europe. Often grown in borders or shade gardens due to its dense foliage and attractive spring flowers. It spreads by creeping rhizomes and forms an attractive groundcover. The roots have underground stems that form additional roots and shoots along their length.
It is best grown in a location providing full sun to part shade and good drainage. A soil that is organically rich is an added boost. This flowers have both male and female organs that are pollinated by bees. Its seeds ripen from June through July.
Called an accumulator, this plant gathers and stores nutrients from the soil that are in a more bioavailable form. It can then be used as a fertilizer when added to a compost pile. Converted to a tea-like liquid can also be used for feeding other plants.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease issues. Slugs and snails can be a minor problem. It spreads by rhizomes that can be aggressive. Attempting to dig plant up for transplanting or removal can leave some roots that will sprout new plants.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Hidcote Blue'
Smaller cultivar - 'Sky-Blue-Pink'
Pink buds open to blue flowers that fade to white.
- 'Hidcote Blue'
- 'Hidcote Blue', 'Sky-Blue-Pink'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Hidcote Blue'
Smaller cultivar - 'Sky-Blue-Pink'
Pink buds open to blue flowers that fade to white.
- 'Hidcote Blue'
- 'Hidcote Blue', 'Sky-Blue-Pink'
- Tags:
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-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Symphytum
- Species:
- grandiflorum
- Family:
- Boraginaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Root Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Caucasus and Europe
- Wildlife Value:
- It is pollinated by bumblebees, honey bees, and mason bees.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ground Cover
- Perennial
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Horizontal
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Coarse
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Cyme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Bell
- Tubular
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- Flowers form as red-flushed buds and bloom in drooping clusters.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Rough
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Showy
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Ovate
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Medium to dark green leaves that grow along the ground can grow up to 7" long while growing to only 2" on flowering stems. Its stiff hairs give the leaves a rough feel.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Meadow
- Naturalized Area
- Slope/Bank
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Shade Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Small groups
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Pollinators
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Heat
- Problems:
- Weedy
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Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- Low
- Poison Symptoms:
- Although this plant contains small quantities of alkaloids that can cause liver damage over time, most individuals would have to consume large quantities of the plant in order for it to be harmful. Those with chronic liver issues should be aware of this issue. The alkaloids are at their highest in the roots and young leaves. As the leaves age, they no longer pose a risk, as older leaves lose their toxicity.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Alkaloids
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- No
- Poison Part:
- Flowers
- Leaves
- Roots
