Crambe maritima
sea kale
A robust herbaceous perennial to 75cm, forming a clump of large, lobed, wavy-edged blue-green leaves, with thick stems bearing dense racemes to 60cm across of small white flowers in early summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Blue Green | ||
| Autumn | Blue Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Crambe are robust annuals and perennials with large, simple or divided leaves and racemes or large panicles of small, fragrant white flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe to Caucasus
How to grow
Cultivation
Natually occurs in shingle and sand in coastal areas. Ideally grow in well-drained soil in full sun although it will tolerate poor soil and partial shade. Provide shelter from strong winds
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or autumn or propagate by division in early spring or take root cuttings in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut down to ground level in autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs and caterpillars
Diseases
May be susceptible to club root
Get involved
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