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Symphytum caucasicum (Caucasian Comfrey)

Caucasian Comfrey, Beinwell, Blue Comfrey

Symphytum caucasicum, Caucasian Comfrey, Beinwell, Blue Comfrey, Blue Flowers

Symphytum caucasicum (Caucasian Comfrey) is a rhizomatous perennial boasting arching stems clothed with large, softly hairy, gray-green, lance-shaped leaves, 8 in. long (20 cm). From late spring to early summer, nodding, tubular bell-shaped flowers held in drooping clusters, open pink, then turn azure blue. Forming extensive colonies, Caucasian Comfrey is an excellent subject for the wildflower garden but is equally useful in the border or as a short specimen plant in the garden. A most suitable plant for moist areas in dappled shade.

  • Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall and wide (60-90 cm). Because it spreads rapidly, give it some space. Once established, Comfrey can be very difficult to dig out.
  • Thrives in full sun or part shade in moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Appreciates some afternoon shade in hot summer climates.
  • Excellent choice for woodland gardens, cottage gardens, or wildflower gardens where it can form attractive colonies over time. It makes a good ground cover but can become invasive, so site with care. Planting in containers may help limit its spread.
  • Easy to grow, disease and pest-free, clay soil tolerant.
  • Cutting back stems promptly after flowering may encourage a possible rebloom and neat, young foliage.
  • Propagate by division of fleshy roots in spring. Propagate by root cuttings in early winter. Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or spring.
  • Ingestion may cause severe discomfort
  • Native to the Caucasus, Iran.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Boraginaceae
Genus Symphytum
Common names Comfrey
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36"
(60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Ponds And Streams
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Symphytum ‘Rubrum’ (Red Comfrey)
Symphytum officinale (Common Comfrey)

Recommended Companion Plants

Euphorbia palustris (Marsh Spurge)
Malus × robusta ‘Red Sentinel’ (Crabapple)
Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ (Cranesbill)
Iris sibirica (Siberian Iris)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Native Plant Alternatives to Symphytum officinale (Common Comfrey)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Boraginaceae
Genus Symphytum
Common names Comfrey
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36"
(60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Ponds And Streams
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Symphytum (Comfrey)
Not sure which Symphytum (Comfrey) to pick?
Compare Now

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