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