The New Zealand Plant Conservation Network

Species

Symphytum grandiflorum

Common Name(s)

dwarf comfrey, creeping comfrey

Authority

Symphytum grandiflorum DC.

Family

Boraginaceae

Brief Description

Perennial, evergreen; 30-45 cm tall; can form extensive ground cover by rhizomes; no tubers. Shade tolerant. Leaves to 10 cm (lamina) + 6-8 cm petiole; upper surface bristly with anthrorse curved hairs on bulbous bases; rough to touch; lower leaf surface with few hairs - mostly on veins. Inflorescence stems muricate and some variously directed hairs.

Flora Category

Vascular - Exotic

Synonyms

Symphytum ibericum

Habitat

Gardens under trees and shrubs

Features

Inflorescences on erect stems and curling over, especially in flowering state. Corolla c. 2 cm long, pink in bud but becoming white; proximal half tubular; distal half ± narrow campanulate. Style 2-2.3 cm long, white, often ± exserted from corolla.

Similar Taxa

Other Symphytum species but characterised by its pale cream pendulous flowers and rhizomatous habit.

Flowering

September-November

Flower Colours

Cream,White

Propagation Technique

Easily grown by divided pieces in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in moist, organically rich soils in part shade, but has respectable drought tolerance and can do reasonably well in dryish, shady locations. Tolerates close to full shade; can spread aggressively by creeping rhizomes. Moreover, once planted, comfrey can be very difficult to dig out because any small section of root left behind can sprout a new plant.

Year Naturalised

2014

Origin

Eurasia

Reason for Introduction

Ornamental

Tolerances

Tolerates heavy shade

This page last updated on 27 Sep 2016