Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Boraginaceae
Botanical Name
Symphytum
Plant Common Name
Comfrey
General Description
Comfreys are coarse, hairy, rhizomatous perennials of Eurasian origin. Several of the approximately 30 Symphytum species have long been cultivated for medicinal, culinary, agricultural, and ornamental purposes.
The hairy, gray- to mid-green, oval to lance-shaped leaves of these hardy perennials are borne on tall (or short to medium), bristly stems that arise in spring from wandering underground rhizomes. Curving clusters of bell-shaped, bee-pollinated flowers appear at the stem tips in spring or summer. Most comfreys bear pink or purple flowers, which may mature to blue or violet. A few have yellow or white blooms. Plants often self-sow profusely if not deadheaded. Some comfreys go semi-dormant after flowering, sending up new growth later in the season.
Commonly grown Symphytum include S. officinale, the common comfrey of herb and medicinal gardens; S. ibericum, a low mat-former with yellow spring flowers; and S. × uplandicum, best known in its variegated forms (such as 'Axminster Gold').
Comfreys grow best in full to partial sun and moist humus-rich soil. Most benefit from a hard post-bloom pruning to avert self-sowing and force fresh new basal growth. These coarse, vigorously spreading perennials work best in large informal plantings.
Characteristics
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Native To
Europe, Asia, Western Asia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Loam
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Spreading
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow, Blue, Purple, Pink, Violet
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Gray Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
