Common Name:

General Information

Symphytum grandiflorum is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a sturdy, branching rhizome and forming a clump; it grows around 20 - 40cm tall[].
The plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental, where it can be used to make a ground cover

Known Hazards

No reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, but the following reports have been seen for Symphytum officinale.
This plant contains small quantities of a toxic alkaloid which can have a cumulative effect upon the liver. Largest concentrations are found in the roots, leaves contain higher quantities of the alkaloid as they grow older and young leaves contain almost none. Most people would have to consume very large quantities of the plant in order to do any harm, though anyone with liver problems should obviously be more cautious. In general, the health-promoting properties of the plant probably far outweigh any possible disbenefits, especially if only the younger leaves are used.

Botanical References

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Range

Europe - the Caucasus.

Habitat

Not infrequently naturalized in hedges and woods in S. England and the Midlands[]. Usually in broadleaved forests of the lower mountain belt, ascending to 1,000 metres[].

Properties

Habit	Perennial
Height	0.40 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Symphytum grandiflorum is a fairly cold-hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -20°c[].
Tolerates most soils and situations but prefers a moist soil and some shade[, ]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Grows well under trees[].
There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value[].
Plants can be invasive, often spreading freely by means of self-sown seed[]. The root system is very deep and difficult to eradicate, even small fragments of root left in the soil can produce new plants.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A very good ground cover plant[, ]. It spreads rapidly to form a good carpet, rooting as it spreads, and should be spaced about 60cm apart each way[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
If you have sufficient seed you can try an outdoor sowing in situ in the spring.
Division succeeds at almost any time of the year. Simply use a spade to chop off the top 7cm of root just below the soil level. The original root will regrow and you will have a number of root tops, each of which will make a new plant. These can either be potted up or planted out straight into their permanent positions.