Description
Comfrey is a tall, easy to care for perennial plant that is often grown simply for its beauty.
Comfrey is a common name for plants in the genus Symphytum. Comfrey species are important herbs in organic gardening. It is used as a fertilizer and as an herbal medicine.
Plant Specifications
*above specification are indicative only. actual dimensions may vary by +-10%
Common Name |
Symphytum officinale |
Maximum Reachable Height |
1.00 to 3.00 feet |
Flower Colour |
white, cream, purple or pink flowers |
Bloom Time |
May to June |
Difficulty Level |
easy to grow |
Planting and care
Mature comfrey plants can be cut several times each season, prompting some to plant comfrey patches in proximity to compost heaps to take full advantage of comfreys use as an excellent compost activator.
Adding leaves of the comfrey plant to a compost heap gives the compost added nitrogen, resulting in increased microbial decomposition of the compost.
The addition of too much comfrey will result in an imbalance in the carbon: nitrogen of the compost, and can actually slow the decomposition rate.
Comfrey care
Comfrey has very deep roots that transport nutrients from the soil to the leaves, making them rich in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. So the comfrey leaves are very good for making homegrown fertilizer.
Sunlight |
Full sun to part shade |
Watering |
Medium |
Soil |
well-drained soil |
Temperature |
-40 F |
Fertilizer |
Apply any organic fertilizer |
Comfrey special feature
Herb gardens. Naturalize in woodland gardens, open shade gardens, cottage gardens or wildflower gardens/meadows where plants can form attractive colonies over time. Also may be grown in large containe
Comfrey uses
Ornamental Use:
- The plant is used for ornamental purpose
Medicinal Use:
- The herb contains allantoin, a cell proliferant that speeds up the natural replacement of body cells
- Comfrey was used to treat a wide variety of ailments ranging from bronchial problems, broken bones, sprains, arthritis, gastric and varicose ulcers, severe burns, acne and other skin conditions
- It was reputed to have bone and teeth building properties in children, and have value in treating many female disorders