Description
Dwarf comfrey (Symphytum grandiflorum), also known as large-flowered comfrey, isn’t an oh-wow perennial, but its blooms are exquisite upon close inspection. Held in an inflorescence that’s curled like a scorpion’s tail—the botanical term is “scorpoid cyme”—the bell-shaped spring blooms are typically red to pink in bud, gradually turning bluish and then near-white; sometimes, though, they stay distinctly blue. These seeds are from plants with white- to cream-colored flowers, not blue-flowered plants, but I have both, and the resulting seedlings may produce either color. Dwarf comfrey plants are typically 12 to 16 inches tall in leaf, and 18 to 24 inches tall in bloom. They spread by creeping rhizomes to eventually form broad clumps, and they are also likely to self-sow.
All that maybe doesn’t make for a compelling reason to grow this plant, but I value it and am happy to have it in my garden because of its ability to grow well in shade—even in the dry shade under a shallow-rooted willow tree. If you have a woodland-type garden or need to fill tough spots under shrubs and trees, I highly recommend it. I would not advise letting it loose in the rich, moist soil of a formal border, where it may spread too aggressively—unless you really need to fill a lot of space, of course.
Partial to full shade. Perennial; reportedly hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 8.
Collected in mid June 2023. At least 12 seeds per packet. Shipping to US addresses only.
Please read the germination information as well before ordering.
Christina1 (verified owner) –
I wintersowed these in 2023 in a gallon jug. They are growing away nicely now in a protected border; I got 2 of 4 seeds to go. No blooms yet this year but I’m hopeful for next year as they are very healthy.