Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

Given the right conditions, comfrey can grow to be up to 3 feet wide and high, which is wonderful because it is such a useful plant. Its big green leaves add lushness to the garden. In early summer, clusters of purple, tubular flowers are frequently visited by bumblebees. Medicinally, leaves can be used to make a healing salve for the skin. It is also known as “knit-bone” and is said to have bone healing abilities. Comfrey is also widely appreciated as being a dynamic accumulator plant: its roots mine deep layers of soil for nutrients that are pulled up into the leaves. Leaves can then be chopped and used as a mulch or added to compost piles to create healthier soils.

In the hot high desert, comfrey appreciates regular water and afternoon shade, but it will still grow and bloom in full sun. It is non-woody and dies back completely in winter. Seeds of this variety (likely Bocking 14 – from cuttings acquired from Akiva Silver’s Twisted Tree Farm) are sterile-will not self sow, so it is not invasive and does not spread. However, be sure to plant comfrey where you want it forever and keep in mind that digging/tilling nearby could cut the roots, resulting in more plants.

Every garden should have some comfrey!

Plant Details

Native Range: Introduced/Not native to the US
Height: 2-3’
Spacing: 2-3’
Water Needs: Moderate
Soil: Grows in a wide variety of soils
Sunlight: Appreciates afternoon shade
Bloom Time: Can bloom twice per season if cut back after first blooms fade
USDA Zone: 3-9
Life Cycle: Perennial

NOTE: We also have several comfrey plants in two-gallon fabric pots available for purchase at the nursery.

Shipping

Pick up, shipping, and delivery options available. We can ship anywhere in the contiguous U.S. except Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Washington, or Wyoming due to state regulations regarding agricultural imports.