plant

Comfrey

Symphytum

Updated 9 Jun 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Comfrey (Symphytum) — a plant, for Part sun, Medium water. Companions: Raspberry, Apple.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Sunlightfull sun to partial shade
Watermoderate to high

↑ Gives back

Biomasshigh
Shademoderate

Companions

Through the year

Emergence

Emergence in early spring after the last frost and when soil temperatures consistently reach 50C.

Flowering

Flowering typically begins about 60 days after emergence and can last for up to 3 months.

Senescence

Foliage dies back with the first autumn frost.

Dormancy

Enters dormancy after the first autumn frost, lasting through winter.

Timing is relative to your local season (temperate Northern Hemisphere).

Soil interactions

Drainagemoist but well-drained
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalNo
Accumulatespotassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, boron, zinc, copper
Soil textureloam, clay
Organic matterHigh
Compaction toleranceMedium

Propagation

Methodsdivision, seed
Difficulty2 / 5
Establishes in~1 yr
Stratificationnot required
Self-seedingLight
Divisionspring

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, hoverflies