Symphytum Officinale. Comfrey is the perennial cousin of borage and their pink and blue blooms attract just as many pollinators. This fast-growing herb has multiple utilities. For composting, it can be used a bioactivator as well as an abundant source of green material as it will quickly regrow after being cut. Further, their long taproots draw nutrients deep from the soil into their leaves. For these reasons, their cuttings are often used as mulch in permaculture gardens to increase organic material and improve soil nutrition. It was historically grown for its reputed healing properties and is still today used topically in medicinal salves. However, if not managed, Comfrey can become quickly invasive. They reseed readily and root remnants can become new plants. Consider growing in raised beds or containers. To keep them in check, cut back before they flower.
Details
Botanical Name
Symphytum Officinale
Common Name
Comfrey
Hardiness Zone
- 3
Appearance
Max Height
18 inches
Max Spread
20 inches
Plant Form
- Mounded
Foliage Colour
- Green
Fall Colour
Flower Colour
- Pink
- Blue
Edible
Edible Component
Edible Harvest Period
Edible Use
Fruit Colour
Growing
Flowering Period
Spring
Moisture
Adaptable to Dry and Moist
Sunlight
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Maintenance
Deer Resistance
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