comfrey - common
Symphytum officinale
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: moist, fertile soil
- Rate of growth: fast-growing
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Attractive drooping clusters of blue, purple, pink or cream, bell-shaped flowers in early summer above mounds of mid-green leaves. Comfrey is excellent groundcover for a moist, partially shady border or woodland edge. Although a good companion for ferns and shade-loving woodland plants 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. - Growing instructions: From March, direct sow thinly 10mm deep in rows 30cm apart. When large enough to handle thin to 60cm spacing. Comfrey foliage can be harvested (while wearing gloves) 3 or 4 times throughout the summer.
- Sow: March to June
- Flowering: June to August
- Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten repeatedly