Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Symphytum × uplandicum
Russian Comfrey
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Height
- 24 to 48 inches
- Width
- 24 to 48 inches
- Flower color
- Nodding tubular flowers in shades of purple violet pink or cream
- Foliage color
- Large rough textured deep green leaves forming a dense clump
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate to consistent moisture in well drained soil
- Maintenance
- Moderate; spreads by vigorous roots so divide or contain clumps to control growth
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees and other pollinators
About this plant
Symphytum × uplandicum develops large, rough textured green leaves that emerge in broad clumps, each blade elongated and slightly hairy, creating a dense mound of foliage through the growing season. In late spring to early summer, arching stems carry clusters of drooping bell shaped flowers in shades of purple to violet, the tubular blooms hanging beneath the foliage canopy.
This hybrid arose in Europe from crosses between species native to western Asia and the Caucasus region. In gardens, it is valued in cottage plantings, wildlife gardens, and naturalistic borders, where the lush foliage and nodding flowers provide texture and early season nectar for pollinators.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Rain Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Japanese anemones · Bleeding hearts · Catmint · Heucheras · Lady's mantle · Hellebores
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.
