Symphytum x uplandicum ‘Axminster Gold’

My first exposure to this mesmerizing perennial was during a visit to the amazing Chanticleer in Wayne, Pennsylvania, where a single specimen was glowing along a refined border. The large, semi-arching foliage featured such a bold, lemon-yellow variegation that I saw it from a great distance and was magnetically pulled in for closer inspection. I’ve since observed this robust member of the borage (Boraginaceae) family at other public gardens and have grown it at home for many years now. It is definitely a “WOWZA” plant that is destined to always draw immediate inspection and subsequent appreciation.

This variegated comfrey is a naturally occurring, sterile hybrid reaching 2-4 feet tall when in flower with a similar width. Most of the specimens I’ve observed have been a bit smaller (24 x 24 inches) but the bold, broad, yellow variegation is prominent on the oblong, elliptical grey-green, fuzzy leaves. The leaves are typically 12-14 inches long and do elicit a skin irritation for sensitive individuals. The plant is considered toxic as with other Symphytum. Preferring full sun or part shade, the best variegation on ‘Axminster Gold’ materializes with a bit of afternoon shade, which is also helpful in those hot summer climates. Moist, organically rich soils are ideal, although average soils are acceptable. Good drainage is also important.

The boldly colorful, upright clump later sends up rising stems with clusters of mauve-pink bells in late spring until early summer. Bees and butterflies are interested in these flowers although some gardeners will remove flowering stalks to bring focus back to the basal foliage. Cutting this plant back severely after flowering will result in colorful new growth and another round of flowering if desired. Comfrey, being rhizomatous, can spread although this hybrid is much less aggressive than its plain green counterparts. Spreading is encouraged if the root system is disturbed and while very rare, green reversions do occur. This perennial has no serious insect or disease issues and I’ve only ever observed thriving specimens. Powdery mildew, slugs and snails may appear on occasion. Propagation is primarily through root cuttings and division.