Symphytum Goldsmith - Comfrey

Symphytum 'Goldsmith' or comfrey brings new interest to this genus. Not only does it have nectar-rich spring flowers ranging from pink, blue, to white, but its semi-evergreen leaves, edged with yellow, will adorn your flower beds all year.

Symphytum Goldsmith is a perennial that easily reaches 30 cm (12in) high and 60 cm (24in) wide. The plant is covered with iridescent and prickly hairs at the base of the stems. During May to June comfrey reveals beautiful green, veined floral stems, at the same time as bluebells. They bear bell-shaped flowers with varying shades of pink, blue, or white at their top. Its semi-evergreen and leathery, lanceolate leaves are the great asset of this variety. They are edged with yellow and bring a beautiful brightness to the garden and shaded areas.

Symphytum 'Goldsmith' grows rapidly and is very hardy (-20°C (-4°F)). It spreads through robust stems and easily self-seeds.

In the garden, Comfrey is a low-maintenance plant. It likes humus-bearing, moist soils, in partial shade or shade. It will also thrive in full sun as long as the soil is moist. It will suit all the shady spaces in your garden.

It is ideal at the edge of flower beds, in woodlands, and along rivers. With its rapid growth, it will be ideal with bushes like rhododendron or hydrangea, or perennials like wild garlic or bellflower.

Comfrey derives its common name from its ability to heal fractures and wounds. It is used as a "green" fertiliser in organic farming, or as a fortifying feed plant for animals, but also in medicine, due to its richness in vitamin B12.