Photo of Crambe cordifolia flower by Rasbak

Photo by Rasbak

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Crambe cordifolia

Also Known As

  • Colewort
  • Sea Kale

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 5'-6'
  • W: 3'-7'

planting zones

  • 6a-9b

More Options

Crambe cordifolia plant details

Crambe cordifolia is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In spring and summer white flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in alkaline and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Crambe cordifolia

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: brassicaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 3 FT - 7 FT - wide, 5 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: big leaves, border plant, unique

GROWING CONDITIONS for Crambe cordifolia

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture
Soil needs: alkaline and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Give Crambe cordifolia enough space for its dramatic two foot long leaves and to raise its huge, branched panicles of sweetly fragrant white flowers that look like a giant baby’s breath up to 6 feet high and 4 feet wide! For those who like large, powerful
Unique and eye-catching, the huge, rounded leaves of this unusual perennial, native to the dunes of Afghanistan, also produce an impressive 4-6' stalk of small white flowers?like a huge, tree-size bouquet! S/M
As it translates,
Giant Ornamental Kale is not seen in many gardens anymore, which is a shame. This form of Crambe produces big cabbage leaves for a bold effect, and 4-5', maybe even 6', tall multi branched stems covered with thousands of small white flowers giving the effect of a magnificent Baby's Breath in June and July. It will succumb to winter wetness, so be sure to plant in a quick draining soil, and if your soil is acidic amend the soil pH with lime.
Large undulating green leaves emerge from purple-black buds. Gigantic spray of white flowers on 5' stem hovers over early summer garden. Clumping perennial.

Gardening facts about Crambe cordifolia plant

How to Grow Crambe cordifolia

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • alkaline
    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • glossy
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