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common comfrey

common comfrey

Symphytum officinale

herbaceous⛅ part shade💧💧 moderate water❄ Hardy: Zone 4a – Zone 9b

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Common comfrey is a vigorous perennial herb with large, hairy leaves and bell-shaped flowers ranging from white to purple. Traditionally used in herbal medicine and valued by gardeners for its deep taproot that brings nutrients to shallow soils.

Overview

Form
Upright
Growth Rate
fast
Size
2–4′ tall × 2–3′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous
Family
Boraginaceae

Native Range

Europe and western Asia

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Harvest Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SpringSummer

Companion Planting

Plants well with

8
Ttomato

tomato

Solanum lycopersicum

Comfrey's deep roots accumulate potassium and other minerals that improve tomato nutrient availability and disease resistance when used as mulch or companion.

Source
PPeach

Peach

Prunus persica

Comfrey acts as a dynamic accumulator of deep soil minerals that benefit peach trees. Its leaf litter improves soil fertility when decomposed near the tree base.

BBlack Currant

Black Currant

Ribes nigrum

Comfrey's deep taproot brings minerals to the soil surface, and its leaves are rich in potassium when used as mulch for berry crops.

Avoid near