Species comfrey

comfrey

Symphytum 'Hidcote Blue'

Comfrey (Symphytum 'Hidcote Blue') is a hearty herbaceous perennial to 1-2' tall commonly found in garden settings. It is known for its deep green leaves that are large and highly lobed and its nodding bell-shaped flowers which are usually a soft blue with yellow stamens, blooming from late spring to early summer. This species is prized as an excellent fertilizer, thanks to its high nitrogen content and its ability to absorb many minerals and nutrients from deep in the soil. It makes an excellent groundcover, and can also be used to create a living mulch. Comfrey is also known as a medicinal herb with many anti-inflammatory and healing properties.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Soft blue and white Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Comfrey (Symphytum 'Hidcote Blue') should be watered every 7 to 10 days, depending on the weather and soil condition. If temperatures are hot and soil is dry, water once every 5 days. During the warmer months of the year, the soil should be kept evenly moist, but not soggy. In cooler months, water once a week to once every 2 weeks, depending on the soil condition. To make sure your comfrey is getting enough, check the soil 2 or 3 inches below the surface. If the soil is dry to the touch, it’s time to water. If the soil is still damp beneath the surface, wait another few days before watering again.

sunlight

Comfrey (Symphytum 'Hidcote Blue') thrives in full or partial sun. For best growth and flowering, it should get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. In areas with hot summers, some afternoon shade is beneficial. Too much direct sunlight can cause the foliage to become scorched. For best results, plant in an area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.

pruning

Comfrey (Symphytum 'Hidcote Blue') should be pruned twice during the growing season. The first pruning should be done in early spring, just before the new growth starts, to promote bushier growth. Make sure to cut back only moderately to prevent stunting the growth rate. The second pruning should be done in mid-summer to help promote flowering and to keep the plant tidy and looking its best. Cut back the stems by about a third and remove any dead or damaged foliage or stems. This second pruning also helps to reduce the risk of pests and disease, and encourages the plant to become bushier, rather than leggy.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Comfrey typically starts flowering in May.

Hardiness Map