Comfrey Symphytum 'Hidcote Pink'
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Hidcote Pink' comfrey features a lush, green foliage base from which delicate clusters of pink bell-shaped flowers emerge. These flowers are typically arranged in curling sprays that offer a soft, pastel display in the garden. The leaves are broad and rough with a hairy texture, often being described as lance-shaped or oval, and appear in a deep green color that provides a contrasting backdrop to the pink blooms. This ornamental plant is appreciated for its enduring blooms and the cottage garden feel that it brings to a landscape. The flowers have a nodding habit, which adds a sense of gracefulness to the plant's overall appearance. As the season progresses, the comfrey's foliage remains robust and provides a ground-covering effect with its dense leafy spread.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Boraginaceae
Synonyms
Hidcote Pink Comfrey
Common names
Symphytum 'Hidcote Pink'
ToxicityTo humans
Comfrey, including Symphytum 'Hidcote Pink', contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) which are toxic to humans. These compounds can be harmful if ingested and have been linked to liver damage and cancer. When consumed in large quantities or over a prolonged period, these alkaloids can cause veno-occlusive disease, which can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatotoxicity. Symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and jaundice. Given the serious consequences of comfrey ingestion, it is strongly advised to avoid consuming any part of the plant.
To pets
Comfrey, like the Symphytum 'Hidcote Pink' cultivar, is also toxic to pets due to its pyrrolizidine alkaloid content. Ingestion of any part of the plant can cause liver damage in animals, potentially leading to symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, or ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen). Chronic exposure could result in severe liver disease or failure. Therefore, it is important to prevent pets from consuming any part of comfrey.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Symphytum 'Hidcote Pink', commonly known as comfrey, draws bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Improves soil quality: Comfrey has deep roots that help to break up compacted soil and bring up nutrients from deep within the earth.
- Ornamental value: With its attractive pink flowers and lush foliage, comfrey adds a splash of color and visual interest to ornamental gardens.
- Erosion control: The deep root system of comfrey makes it useful for stabilizing soil and preventing erosion on slopes and banks.
- Wildlife habitat: The plant provides shelter and food for various wildlife species, contributing to biodiversity in the garden.
- Easy to grow: Comfrey is known for being hardy and low-maintenance, tolerating a range of soil types and conditions.
- Fast growth: Comfrey grows quickly, which can be advantageous for gardeners looking to establish plant cover or greenery rapidly.
- Edible for livestock: While not suitable for human consumption, comfrey can be used as fodder for some farm animals like pigs and chickens.
- Companion planting: Comfrey can be planted alongside vegetables and fruit trees where it acts as living mulch and provides nutrients when leaves decompose.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Symphytum 'Hidcote Pink', commonly known as comfrey, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, yielding a range of colors from pink to beige depending on the mordant used.
- Comfrey leaves can be placed in compost piles to help accelerate the decomposition process due to their high nitrogen content.
- The plant's deep roots can be used for soil improvement, as they mine the deep soil layers for minerals and nutrients, which are then recycled to the surface when the leaves decompose.
- Comfrey can be planted under fruit trees as a living mulch, which can suppress weeds and slowly release nutrients to the trees as the leaves decay.
- The leaves of the comfrey can be used as a natural mulch in flower beds and vegetable gardens, slowly releasing nutrients as they decompose.
- As part of a permaculture garden, comfrey can be used as an insectary plant, attracting beneficial insects, such as pollinators and predatory insects that control pests.
- The fibrous stems and leaves of comfrey can be added to the paper-making process to create handmade papers with a unique texture.
- Comfrey can be used in a liquid fertilizer "tea" that, when diluted, provides plants with a potent source of potassium.
- Comfrey leaves can be used as a green layer in lasagna gardening to enrich the soil with organic matter and nutrients.
- The tough, fibrous nature of comfrey makes it suitable for use in creating plant supports or trellises when dried and bundled together.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiComfrey is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityComfrey is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Symphytum, commonly known as comfrey, has been associated with healing due to its medicinal properties. The plant's leaves and roots have been used historically to treat a variety of ailments, symbolizing restitution and recovery.
- Protection: Due to comfrey's historical use in herbal medicine for healing, it also came to be associated with safeguarding one's well-being, suggesting an emblem of protection.
- Endurance: Comfrey is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in various conditions, symbolizing resilience and the ability to endure hardships.
WaterComfrey, known as Symphytum 'Hidcote Pink', prefers consistent moisture but does not like to be overwatered. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1-2 gallons per plant, depending on the weather and soil conditions. During hot or dry periods, increase watering frequency to twice a week. Ensure that the soil is well-drained and does not stay soggy, as comfrey does not tolerate waterlogged roots. During the winter months or in cooler climates, reduce the amount of water, as the plant requires less moisture when growth slows down.
LightComfrey enjoys full sun to partial shade. An ideal spot for Symphytum 'Hidcote Pink' is an area where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. If planted in too much shade, the plant may not flower as profusely and can become leggy.
TemperatureComfrey thrives in a wide temperature range but performs best when the daytime temperature remains between 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit without significant damage, making it suitable for many temperate climates. Avoid exposing Symphytum 'Hidcote Pink' to extreme heat for prolonged periods, as this can stress the plant.
PruningPrune comfrey to remove old, damaged, or dead foliage and to maintain a neat plant shape. Symphytum 'Hidcote Pink' should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cutting back the plant after the first flush of flowers can encourage a second round of blooms. Pruning is typically required once a year but may be done more often if necessary to keep the plant tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilComfrey, commonly known as Symphytum 'Hidcote Pink', thrives best in a rich, well-draining soil mix with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil blend for comfrey would consist of equal parts loam, peat moss or well-rotted compost, and perlite or sand to ensure adequate drainage.
RepottingComfrey (Symphytum 'Hidcote Pink') generally does not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. It is a robust plant that can be repotted once every 3-4 years or as needed when it outgrows its container.
Humidity & MistingComfrey (Symphytum 'Hidcote Pink') is adaptable and doesn't require high humidity; average room humidity is generally sufficient. It's important to maintain good air circulation to prevent disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in well-lit area, keep soil moist, not wet.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, enrich soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Symphytum 'Hidcote Pink', commonly known as Hidcote Pink comfrey, begins with seed germination, which occurs in moist, well-draining soil in early spring. The seedlings establish a rosette of leaves and a deep taproot as they mature. The plant enters its vegetative stage, producing large, hairy leaves and forming a clump. During late spring to early summer, it enters the flowering stage, bearing small, bell-shaped pink flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers set seeds, which can be dispersed to propagate new plants. As a perennial, Hidcote Pink comfrey then goes into a period of dormancy in late fall or winter, retracting its energy into the roots before re-emerging the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Symphytum 'Hidcote Pink', commonly known as Hidcote Pink comfrey, is best propagated through root cuttings during late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. To propagate Hidcote Pink comfrey through root cuttings, one should dig up a portion of the plant's root system and select roots that are about the thickness of a pencil. These roots should be cut into sections approximately 2-4 inches (5-10 centimeters) long. The sections should then be planted horizontally, about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 centimeters) deep in a potting mix or directly into the garden soil, in a location that receives part to full sun. The root cuttings will gradually develop shoots and form new plants over several weeks, after which the young plants can be transplanted to their final location when they have established sufficiently robust root systems.
