comfrey - common
Symphytum officinale
Attractive drooping clusters of blue, purple, pink or cream, bell-shaped flowers in early summer above mounds of mid-green...
approx 40 seeds
£2.99
In stock (shipped within 3-5 working days)
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Plant description
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.
Eventual height & spread
Plant features
Position
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth
Fast-growing
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness
Fully hardy
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.
Please note:
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
Warning
Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten repeatedly
How to use companion plants
Companion planting is a method of growing different plants adjacent to one another for the benefit of one or both of the companions. Some plants are thought to confuse or act as a decoy to potential pests, while a few provide food for the pest's natural
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