Comfrey is a various and useful plant in the garden , but there are some important consideration to keep in mind when decide whether or not it will take over your garden . While dependable healing herb ( Symphytum officinale ) has a reputation for being invasive and spreading well through its beginning , Russian healing herb ( Symphytum x uplandicum ) is a different story . Russian cumfrey is a hybrid variety that produces sterile seed , which intend it wo n’t self - seed and take over your garden like true comfrey might .
This machine characteristic of Russian comfrey is a significant benefit for gardener who are implicated about its likely invasiveness . By growing Russian cumfrey instead of true comfrey , you could enjoy the benefits of this flora without worry about it becoming a nuisance . This is specially crucial if you have limited outer space or are cultivating a small garden .
Another understanding why many permaculture gardener choose to grow Russian comfrey is because of its vigorous growth . This plant can get a real amount of biomass , making it an first-class source of mulch or green manure . By cutting back the comfrey plants regularly and using the leaves as mulch or adding them to your compost pile , you’re able to benefit from its nutritive - rich property while keeping it in check .
In my own experience , I have get Russian comfrey to be a valuable accession to my garden . I have a intend area where I spring up comfrey specifically for its biomass production . By keeping it contained in this field and harvest the leaves on a regular basis , I have been able to benefit from its nutrient content without worrying about it diffuse throughout my garden .
To ensure that comfrey does n’t take over your garden , there are a few additional measures you could take . Firstly , it ’s crucial to choose Russian comfrey specifically if you desire to void the potential invasiveness of true healing herb . second , consider planting comfrey in a designated expanse or in container to further restrict its growing . This will earmark you to hold its bedcover and prevent it from encroach on other plants .
While true comfrey can indeed take over a garden due to its ability to spread easily , Russian comfrey is a better choice for those concerned about invasiveness . Russian comfrey has aseptic seeds , meaning it wo n’t self - ejaculate and become a nuisance . Additionally , its vigorous emergence makes it a valuable source of biomass for mulch or green manure . By drive precautions such as originate Russian cumfrey instead of genuine comfrey and containing it in designate arena or containers , you may enjoy the benefits of comfrey without the worry of it film over your garden .
Caroline Bates
