Symphytum

A strong grower, forming a rounded clump. The large leaves are covered with hairs. Clusters of small blue flowers appear in summer on upright stalks. Has been used medicinally.

This coarse, hirsute, rhizomatous perennial spreads to form a low-spreading foliage clump that roots as it spreads. Considered very good ground cover plant, most useful in shaded situations and can be grown in dry shade. Bluebell-like, creamy flowers appear in drooping clusters, typical of the borage family, in mid-spring to early summer. The root system is very deep and easily reconstitutes plants from small fragments of root left in the soil. Tolerates most soils and situations but prefers a moist soil and some shade. Grows well in heavy clay soils and under trees. Plants can be invasive and will naturalize, seeding assertively. The saving grace of comphrey is its toleration of dry shade, quite rare in a plant.