This plant have been grown organically on Rebecca's block (Herb Farm Assistant at KoruKai Herb Farm), Little River, Banks Peninsula.
Free from synthetic fertiliser, pesticides and herbicides.
Evergreen Comfrey (Symphytum grandiflorum)
Benefits*
This plant is very valuable in a food forest and organic garden system. Due to its smaller size and more compact growth than regular comfrey it is ideal for smaller gardens, urban environments and small food forests. It makes an excellent border plant and ground cover and does well planted around fruit trees. It has pale cream flowers and bees love it.
The plant is full of vitamins and minerals and is extremely nutritious. Our chickens and dairy cow LOVE the leaves. Consider planting it near the chicken coop or close to the compost pile to add extra fertility for animals and compost. It has many medicinal properties (see below).
Growing Conditions
Comfrey will grow well in many conditions. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil with high fertility and will grow in full sun and partial shade. It grows easily and vigorously. It does not produce viable seeds but will spread on rhizomes. Be careful where you plant it as it’s almost impossible to get rid of it once it is established. It can be cut back a few times per year to keep it in check. This material makes valuable mulch and is a great compost ingredient high in potassium and other nutrients.
Planting
Comfrey grows easily and is a great medicinal plant that can also be used as animal fodder and to enrich compost piles. Once you receive the comfrey, plant it in a pot with potting mix and keep well watered so it can recover from being transported. If leaves are wilted cut them off, they will grow new ones in spring. Plant out after a few weeks once it has adjusted to its new environment.
Space plants 20-30 cm apart.
Medicinal uses*
The roots and leaves have many medicinal uses. It contains high levels of allantoin, making it a powerful cell proliferant internally and externally. It is used to knit wounds and damaged tissue. Comfrey roots and leaves are a common ingredient in salves, poultices, oils and ointments.
*This information is for educational purposes only. Please do not self-treat disease using herbs alone. Always consult with a qualified and registered herbalist.
Harvesting: This generous plant will give multiple leaf harvests within one season and a root harvest in winter after 2 growing seasons. To harvest leaves, simply cut the whole plant down to 10 cm above the crown and let it regenerate. Roots should be dug in winter when there is no aerial growth. Dig with a trenching spade or fork. Prior to lifting the roots it is helpful to remove aerial tops and loosen the soil around the whole plant.
