Symphytum x uplandicum ‘Bocking 14’ #2 (Russian Comfrey)

‘Bocking 14’ Russian Comfrey is a sterile hybrid of European Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) and Russian Comfrey (Symphytum asperum) which will not reproduce by seed, thus preventing escape from cultivation. It is widely used in permaculture practices for its many useful properties. It is a popular companion plant for fruit trees and crops that are heavy feeders. The vigorous, leafy top growth can be used as a rich and balanced natural fertilizer which does not bind up the nitrogen in the soil as it decomposes, making it an excellent “chop and drop” mulch. The leaves break down quickly and can also be made into liquid fertilizer for use on the garden, or added to compost piles.

The pretty purple, bell-shaped flowers in early summer will attract many bees, especially bumblebees, to the garden. Spent flowers can be pruned off to promote reblooming. Comfrey was historically consumed as a food and tea for medicinal purposes, but recent scientific evidence suggests that it is harmful to the liver and should not be taken internally. However, it does promote rapid healing when used externally as a poultice on wounds and broken bones.

Sources:
Permaculture Research Institute
https://www.balkep.org/symphytum-x-uplandicum.html