Symphytum grandiflorum
creeping comfrey
Overview
Symphytum grandiflorum is a low, rhizomatous perennial that spreads to form a dense evergreen to semi-evergreen groundcover 20-40 cm (8-16 in) tall. The leaves are oval to oblong, 8-15 cm (3-6 in) long, dark green, and covered in stiff bristly hairs that make the surface rough. Creeping stems root as they spread, knitting plants into a continuous mat that suppresses weeds beneath deciduous trees and shrubs. In spring the plant produces nodding clusters of tubular flowers about 1.5-2 cm (0.6-0.8 in) long, red-tinged in bud and opening to cream or pale yellow. Bees work the flowers for nectar early in the season when little else is open. The rhizomes spread steadily and root fragments regrow, so the plant is hard to remove once established and can overrun smaller neighbours. It grows in dry shade where many groundcovers struggle, tolerating root competition and poor soil. Foliage stays low through winter in mild climates and is cut back if it becomes tattered.
Native Range
Symphytum grandiflorum is native to the Caucasus and northeastern Turkey, where it grows in woodland and on shaded slopes. It is widely naturalized in cool-temperate gardens and can escape into hedgerows.Suggested Uses
Used as a weed-suppressing groundcover in dry shade, on banks, and beneath deciduous trees and shrubs. The early flowers support emerging bumblebees in woodland-edge plantings. Its spreading habit makes it too vigorous for small or mixed borders.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'4"
Width/Spread1'6" - 3'
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from March to May (early to mid-spring), with scattered later blooms into summer. The coiled flower clusters unfurl as they open, lowest flowers first. Buds are pink to red and shift to cream or yellow as they open.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream to pale yellow, red-tinged in budFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Symphytum grandiflorum grows in partial to full shade and tolerates dry soil once established, including the root-filled ground beneath trees. It accepts most soils from clay to sand and a pH of about 6.0 to 7.5. Plants need little water after the first season and no feeding on average soil. The rhizomes spread, so plants are placed where a spreading groundcover is wanted or edged to limit their reach. It is propagated by dividing the rhizomes or lifting rooted runners in spring or autumn. Slugs may graze new leaves but rarely cause lasting damage.Pruning
Tatty or mildewed foliage is cut back after flowering to prompt fresh growth. Spent flower stems can be sheared off to tidy the planting. Runners straying beyond bounds are pulled or dug out in spring.Pruning Schedule
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late springsummer