[philwjones]

Our builder has removed a load of my comfrey which I'd asked them not to do.   

They've left 2 fairly hefty crowns, and brushing the ground where the others were with my hands, it seems some of the root system may still be kicking around under the surface despite the other crowns being removed.

I'm devastated as they were really coming on and I'd only cut back some leaves for mulching - there were loads left.  But trying to work out what's for the best.  I don't really want to mess with the existing crowns by splitting if I don't have to - has anyone had comfrey 'recover' growth from the underlying root system - as I'm hoping that's what may do the job ?

[Aunt Sally]

If the roots are there they will come back.

Put the bits they cut off in the compost, it's as good as horse manure!

[philwjones]

Thanks - that's comforting - I haven't got what they cut off - it's gone - cleared away - I came home tonight to find the garden 'tidy'

[GrannieAnnie]

Comfrey will grow from the smallest bit of root, believe me!!   

Do any of the cut off bits have a bit of root on them?  If so, plant the bit of root.  It won't take long.  Just seen your post where you said you haven't got the bits!

When we moved here I ad brought a pot of comfrey with me from our last house, and it lived on the old patio until I knew where it was going.  When I finally moved the pot and planted the comfrey down the garden.  The following year, a little comfrey plant grew between the paving stones.  I pulled it out and planted it, so I have 2 lovely comfrey plants now.

Then every year for 3 years a little comfrey plants grew in the old spot.  I eventually killed it when OH built the new patio, but it must have grown each time from a tiny bit of root as I kept digging it up!   

[simonwatson]

When I bought some comfrey a few years ago (bocking 14) it came as little sections of root about 2 inches long and half an inch in diameter. I was not convinced. However, I planted them and pretty much every piece grew into a strong and healthy plant. It's about the hardiest plant I've ever seen.

[TheWhiteRabbit]

I bought 5 bits of comfrey root from eBay, potted them on and 3 out of the 5 grew and are now looking small but healthy.

I think yours will grow back just fine