Description:

This attractive variety is grown primarily in borders or shade gardens for its lovely foliage and bluebell like flowers; a medium spreading clump, it features green crinkled leaves that are edged with pale yellow; visually stunning

Ornamental Features

Variegated Russian Comfrey features delicate clusters of rose bell-shaped flowers with purple overtones and white edges at the ends of the stems in late spring, which emerge from distinctive pink flower buds. Its attractive pointy leaves remain grayish green in color with distinctive creamy white edges throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Variegated Russian Comfrey is an herbaceous perennial with a mounded form. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This is a high maintenance plant that will require regular care and upkeep, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Invasive

Variegated Russian Comfrey is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Variegated Russian Comfrey will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity extending to 4 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 3 feet. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 30 inches apart. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant performs well in both full sun and full shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid, and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.