The flowers start in early spring (April for me), and, if cut back, it will rebloom a bit during the summer. If I have the time and the season has been tough, I will give it a good haircut in early July. It will put out new foliage that remains nice for the rest of the season. This might not be necessary in cooler, less humid climates. Once established, it will tolerate dry shade and is good under shrubs and trees.
Creamy white flowers develop from deep orange red buds, clearly visible in this close-up, but only noticeable on close inspection in the garden.
Since the buds are rather curled up, a mass planting in bloom is dominated by the flower color, with the buds contributing a subtle counterpoint.
Flowering continues for at least a month from start to finish (possibly longer in cooler climates), with an odd flower or two thrown after the main flush.
Variations on the Theme
By whatever species name, this comfrey has generated quite a number of interesting cultivars with variegated foliage or different flower color - or both.
Symphytum grandiflorum 'Goldsmith', like the species, remains relatively short, reaching ten to twelve inches (25.4 - 30.4 cm) tall. It's rated hardy from USDA zones 4-8 but a report from an experienced gardening pal just south of me indicates it might not be too happy in the southern end of the range. Still, I mean to try it out at the earliest opportunity; I cannot resist that foliage.
| 'Goldsmith's' flowers are the typical creamy white. I have no data on bud color on this one. |
Symphytum grandiflorum 'Rubrum' has Rich green foliage with nodding bright rose bell-shaped blooms on ten to twelve inch (25 - 30 cm) stems in spring
S. grandiflorum 'Hidcote Blue' is a blue-flowered selection from England, also with green foliage, blooming on eighteen to twenty-four inch stems (45 - 60 cm).
S. grandiflorum variegated 'Hidcote Blue' has yellow variegated new foliage, changing to white and green. This one needs moist soil and some shade because the leaves are susceptible to burning if it gets too dry or too sunny. Plant size is about ten inches tall by twelve to twenty-four inches in diameter. (25 cm x 30 - 60 cm).
S. grandiflorum 'Hidcote Variegated' has large, six to eight inch long (15 - 20 cm) light green leaves with a distinct creamy-white margin. It has the typical creamy white flowers on twelve to fifteen inch (25 - 38 cm) tall stems. Rated hardy from USDA zones 3 to 8, it gets about eight inches tall by twenty-four inches wide (20 - 60 cm). It prefers moisture retentive soil and partial sun to medium shade.
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