Gardening Edible Gardening Herbs Comfrey By Viveka Neveln Viveka Neveln Instagram Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on February 1, 2017 Share Tweet Pin Email Comfrey Overview Description Comfrey leaves are full of nutrients that make a natural high-potassium fertilizer or addition to compost. This perennial herb sends down deep roots that pull nutrients into the plant's large, hairy leaves. It grows best in moist sites high in organic matter. Common comfrey, Symphytum officinale, is a vigorous plant that can grow up to 4 feet tall. The plant spreads by rhizomes and can become invasive. Genus Name Symphytum spp. Common Name Comfrey Plant Type Herb Height 6 to 12 inches Width null to 4 feet Flower Color Blue, Purple, White Season Features Spring Bloom Special Features Attracts Birds, Cut Flowers, Good for Containers, Low Maintenance Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Propagation Division Problem Solvers Deer Resistant More varieties for comfrey Variegated comfrey Symphytum x uplandicum 'Variegatum' offers leaves edged in creamy white. In spring it bears lilac-pink bell-shape blooms. It prefers moist soil and part shade. It has the same aggressive growth habit as its plain green cousin, so plant it where it can be contained from spreading. Zones 4-9 Learn how to maximize your eco-friendly gardening More Videos » Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit