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Common Comfrey

Symphytum Officinale

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Overview

Symphytum officinale, known as Common Comfrey, is a hardy perennial boasting clusters of bell-shaped, purple to cream flowers. It grows to 2-5 feet tall and spreads up to 2.5 feet wide. Favored for its medicinal uses and ability to improve soil fertility, Comfrey thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Handle with care due to its rough, hairy leaves and potential skin irritants.

Sun Full, HalfWater MediumZones 4–8Type Perennial
Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — blue flowers in the garden
Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — with hairy leaves that can grow up to 8 to 12 inches long and 2 to 4 inches wide; it grows to 2-5 feet tall, image 83Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — tapering to a point.<br><br>From late spring to early summer; making it fairly drought-resistant upon, image 84Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — Comfrey serves not only ornamental purposes but also contributes to soil healthCommon Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — with hairy leaves that can grow up to 8 to 12 inches long and 2 to 4 inches wideCommon Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — making it fairly drought-resistant upon establishment; tapering to a point.<br><br>From late spring to, image 105Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — perennial with blue blooms; showcasing colors that range from creamy white to pink and purple, image 95+128

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Medium
USDA zones
4–8

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Perennial
Family
Boraginaceae

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Photos (135)

Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — blue flowers in the garden
Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — with hairy leaves that can grow up to 8 to 12 inches long and 2 to 4 inches wide; it grows to 2-5 feet tall, image 83
Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — tapering to a point.<br><br>From late spring to early summer; making it fairly drought-resistant upon, image 84
Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — Comfrey serves not only ornamental purposes but also contributes to soil health
Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — with hairy leaves that can grow up to 8 to 12 inches long and 2 to 4 inches wide
Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — making it fairly drought-resistant upon establishment; tapering to a point.<br><br>From late spring to, image 105
Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — perennial with blue blooms; showcasing colors that range from creamy white to pink and purple, image 95
Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — Comfrey serves not only ornamental purposes but also contributes to soil health; bell-shaped flowers emerge, image 88
Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — commonly known as Common Comfrey
Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — providing a delicate contrast to the lush greenery; commonly known as Common Comfrey
Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — perennial for full or half; emphasize its dual role as both a soil enhancer and a provider of visual and, image 96
Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — This robust plant stands at around 2 to 5 feet tall with a similar spread and features a deep taproot, image 56
Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — Handle with care due to its rough, hairy leaves and potential skin irritants
Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — Comfrey's foliage is characteristically coarse; it thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9, preferring, image 106
Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — emphasize its dual role as both a soil enhancer and a provider of visual and ecological diversity
Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — providing a delicate contrast to the lush greenery; commonly known as Common Comfrey, image 111
Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — is a perennial herb prized for its medicinal qualities and utility in garden landscapes
Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — showcasing colors that range from creamy white to pink and purple; perennial with blue blooms
Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — perennial for full or half; emphasize its dual role as both a soil enhancer and a provider of visual and ecological
Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — It grows to 2-5 feet tall and spreads up to 2.5 feet wide
Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — making it fairly drought-resistant upon establishment
Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — Handle with care due to its rough, hairy leaves and potential skin irritants; this robust plant stands at around 2 to 5
Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — Handle with care due to its rough, hairy leaves and potential skin irritants; this robust plant stands at, image 53
Common Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) — is a hardy perennial boasting clusters of bell-shaped; comfrey thrives in full sun to partial shade and, image 49
Photographs by 12 contributors

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