Overview
Crambe cordifolia is a perennial herbaceous in the genus Crambe, part of the Brassicaceae family. It typically grows around 2.0 m tall. Crambe cordifolia grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders and specimen plant. It is native to Caucasus.
About
Crambe cordifolia is a perennial herbaceous plant that reaches about 2.0 m and is cultivated for its tall summer flowerheads. It flowers from June to August and the blooms are scented. It prefers a sunny position in soils from sandy to clay, provided they are well-drained or moist but well-drained. Use it as a specimen or at the back of a border where its height can be shown off.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Crambe cordifolia
About the genus
Crambe is a genus of annual and perennial flowering plants in the family Brassicaceae, native to a variety of habitats in Europe, Turkey, southwest and central Asia and eastern Africa. They carry dense racemes of tiny white or yellow flowers on stems above the basal leaves. Crambe hispanica subsp. abyssinica, formerly known as Crambe abyssinica, is grown for the oil from the seeds that has characteristics similar to whale oil.
Wikipedia contributors, "Crambe", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Crambe
In the garden
Crambe cordifolia originates from the Caucasus and belongs to the Brassicaceae family. In the UK it is valued for the season-long presence of its upright flower display, which appears between June and August and carries a noticeable floral scent on warm days. Plants typically reach about 2.0 m, so allow room for height when siting. Give Crambe cordifolia a position in full sun and a soil that drains freely; it will tolerate sandy, loamy or clay textures so long as conditions are not waterlogged and remain moist but well-drained. Its hardiness rating is H7, which translates to fully hardy through normal UK winters; the equivalent USDA zones are 5–9. Plant in a spot where its height and perfume can be appreciated—at the rear of a mixed border or as a single specimen where the 2.0 m flowerheads form a summer focal point. Regular watering while establishing helps, but avoid heavy, boggy sites that prevent the rootzone from drying slightly between wet periods.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Crambe
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Crambe cordifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herbaceous
- Height
- 2.0 m
- Suggested uses
- borders, specimen plant
- Native to
- Caucasus
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Crambe cordifolia
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; requires moisture but not waterlogged conditions.
- Pruning
- Cut back old stems in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- By seed or division in spring.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Crambe cordifolia?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; requires moisture but not waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Crambe cordifolia?
Crambe cordifolia prefers full sun.
What soil does Crambe cordifolia need?
Crambe cordifolia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Crambe cordifolia?
Cut back old stems in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Crambe cordifolia grow?
Crambe cordifolia reaches a height of 2.0 m.
Is Crambe cordifolia hardy in the UK?
Crambe cordifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Crambe cordifolia?
By seed or division in spring.
