Topic: Creeping - dwarf comfrey - is it too invasive

[gavinjconway]

Hi All - I was given some root cuttings of Creeping Dwarf Comfrey (Symphytum grandiflorum) and it has really taken well in its pots. See photo.. I need to know if this is the real macoy comfrey for using to make "tea" and composting with.

I also have some Bocking 14 (I assume as it had purple flowers when I dug it up) and it has longer wider big leaves.. I know this is the real stuff but was wondering about the other. It was given to me by an avid gardener who has had a garden share for years and seems to know his stuff. I dont want to plant out the wrong type and get smothered by it.

All the above are currently in pots waiting to be planted out when the area has been dug and is ready..

[saddad]

The variegated form of Comfrey isn't invasive..  :-\

[Digeroo]

I did not think that the dwarf variety was right for making compost.  Something is missing.  Sorry cannot remember what it is.

[Robert_Brenchley]

It all makes compost, though I'd rather have something rampant, which makes lots of it. None of them spread on my plot.

[gavinjconway]

I found an article somewhere on the tinternet saying it was low on Potassium so no good for "Comfrey Tea" - i assume still good for composting ..

[Bing]

so what veriaty of comfrey is used for conpost/fertiliser?

[Digeroo]

The usual recommending comfrey is refered to as Bocking 14 which is sterile so does not seed all over the place.  I think it is a cultivar of Russian Comfrey symphytum × uplandicum.  The is also English Comfrey  (Symphytum officinale ).


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comfrey

[lavenderlux]

You can also use 'Russian Comfrey' (Symphytum × uplandicum) - the type that seeds but you need to cut it before it sets seed.   I have Russian Comfrey and Bocking 14 selection and find 'Russian Comfrey' is more vigorous than the Bocking 14.  I get four or five cuttings of this a year, the first couple of cuttings I use to make a liquid fertilizer, then the next cuttings go into the compost bins.