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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Symphytum × uplandicum

Russian Comfrey

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate to consistent moisture in well drained soil

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)