comfrey - common
Symphytum officinale
Producing attractive drooping clusters of blue, purple, pink or cream, bell-shaped flowers in early summer above mounds of mid-green leaves, comfrey makes excellent groundcover for a moist, partially shady border or woodland. A relatively robust grower, it makes a good companion for ferns and shade-loving woodland plants, although it's best sited away from smaller, less vigorous species.
The leaves can be steeped in water to make 'comfrey tea', which produces an excellent organic plant food.
The leaves can be steeped in water to make 'comfrey tea', which produces an excellent organic plant food.
How to care for Symphytum officinale:
Comfrey thrives in full sun or partial shade and grows best in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil, though it will cope with tougher conditions once established. Plant it where it can stay put, as the deep tap roots make it tricky to remove later.
Water well in its first season and during prolonged dry spells to keep growth lush. Apply a mulch of compost or well-rotted manure in spring to fuel strong leafy growth, and cut plants back to around 5cm (2in) above ground three or four times through summer for fresh foliage. Wear gloves when handling, remove spent flower stems if you want to limit self-seeding, and cut back fully in autumn once growth dies down.
Water well in its first season and during prolonged dry spells to keep growth lush. Apply a mulch of compost or well-rotted manure in spring to fuel strong leafy growth, and cut plants back to around 5cm (2in) above ground three or four times through summer for fresh foliage. Wear gloves when handling, remove spent flower stems if you want to limit self-seeding, and cut back fully in autumn once growth dies down.
Sowing instructions:
Sow from March onwards, direct outdoors once the soil is workable. Sow seeds thinly 10mm (½) deep in drills spaced 30cm (12in) apart. Keep the soil moist while germinating, which can take 2-4 weeks depending on temperature.
When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin to 60cm (2ft) apart as plants form broad clumps. Alternatively, sow in modules under cover in early spring and plant out once established.
When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin to 60cm (2ft) apart as plants form broad clumps. Alternatively, sow in modules under cover in early spring and plant out once established.
Eventual height:
1.5m
Eventual spread:
1.5m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
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Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten repeatedly
approx 40 seeds
was £2.99
now £2.39
In stock
(delivery within 3-4 working days)
(delivery within 3-4 working days)
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