Symphytum officinale

Perennial herb with clump forming habit.  Plants have large dark green, hairy, ovate leaves and produce upright stems with white to pink bell-like flowers.  Plants grow to 120cm tall by 60cm wide.  Very fast growing.

Comfrey is often used to improve soil quality.  Plants have deep roots which bring up nutrients from deep in the soil and make them available to other shallow rooted plants.  Leaves a can be used to make a liquid fertiliser.  Leaves are a fantastic compost activator.  Comfrey is also a popular companion plant.   

Also known as Comphrey, Knitbone, Common Comfrey, and English Comfrey.

 

Method: Raise seedling

Sowing Depth: 5mm

When: Spring and Autumn

Position: Part or full sun, moist soil

Plant Spacing: 60cm

Hardiness: Frost hardy

Plant Height: 120cm

Days to Maturity/flowering: 365 days

Care: Can be invasive. Cold stratification may help germination.