Symphytum x uplandicum – Russian Comfrey

Description

Common Name : Russian comfrey

Symphytum x uplandicum is a sterile hybrid between S. officinal and S. asperum. It is a perennial herb that has many uses in the garden particularly in orchards and food forests. The deep roots accumulate nutrients from the soil making the leaves excellent for compost teas, compost accelerators and as mulch. leaves contain useful amounts of the following minerals: silica, nitrogen, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron. Plants are generally vigorous enough over the summer months that 3-4 cuts can be made from the plants for making compost and compost teas.

Russian comfrey also forms useful barriers to other plants such as couch grass. The flowers are fantastic for bees, particularly bumblebees.

Russian comfrey does nor set seed but does form very strong deep roots making it difficult to move. A good place to plant it is around fruit trees (about a meter from the trunk).

The leaves will die down over the winter months and re-sprout in the spring.

Sprouted and un-sprouted pieces can be planted straight out in their permanent place during spring. Or un-sprouted pieces can be potted up in a warm place till sprouted.

• Ht:- 1 meter
• Full sun to light shade
• Hardy
• Root pieces