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Symphytum - Page 5

© Marge Talt

I have seen flower color descriptions ranging from blue to rose to purple. I'd say, from Chris's photo that lavender is more accurate, but they could change color as they age, like many flowers do.

Cut back the flowering stems after bloom to encourage new foliage. It's difficult to propagate by division because it tends to revert to all green after dividing.

Symphytum x uplandicum 'Axminster Gold' is a rather incredible plant and rare in the US. I know of only a couple of sources. This is Ellen Hornig's plant - a lovely specimen.

Introduced from R. D. Plants, Axminster, East Devon, UK, this is quite similar in size and form to 'Variegatum' and wants a retentive soil with protection from harsh sunlight, but not deep shade, I discovered.

My plant was acquired from Ellen and placed in my woodland garden where, at first, it seemed quite happy and began making an impressive clump. Shortly after this photo was taken, the deer discovered it and ate it to a nubbin. It returned, but did not have a chance to make much growth before they hit it again.

Last year, growth was quite weak and although the deer left it alone, it did not prosper. The spot where I'd put it was simply in too much shade.

I was afraid I'd lost it when I found a sad, tiny root this spring. I moved it to a new location with an eastern exposure, shaded to the west but with open sky above and am delighted to report that it is making a comeback. The lower leaves are well over a foot long and about six inches wide. (30 x 15 cm).

There is always a fine line between too little and too much shade where plants who actually want some sun in their native homes and who are from colder climates are concerned. Sometimes, it takes a bit of moving here and there to find a spot where they can show off their full potential. Of course, bambi doesn't help matters!

I've fallen totally in love with this plant. If you want a real show-stopper in your garden, invest in one (they are not inexpensive); you won't regret it. Like the white variegated form, this is not easily propagated by division because of a tendency to revert to green. Ellen recently told me you can take cuttings of the flowering stems...I will try this.

There is a comfrey for every shady garden...if you don't have any in yours, you need one.

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