Symphytum 'Hidcote Blue' planting partners: battle of the thugs!

Loxley

Hi - I am thinking of planting this groundcover Symphytum between shrubs on a scheme I'm working on. I know it's an aggressive spreader, but just to make things look more interesting, are there any other herbaceous plants that can be grown in clumps within the mat of Symphytum, that will be able to hold their own and not get overwhelmed? I'm thinking Persicaria amplexicaulis might work if it is planted in a big tightly planted group to give it a head start. Any others? Would Jap. anemones work?

Obelixx

I would think either of those would do well, especially if you work in some organic matter to improve the soil and retain moisture.   Jap anemone and persicaria should love that and would give you good foliage contrast and flowers and seed heads later in the season.  I grew them both with a creamy comfrey under a birch tree in my Belgian garden.