About
Crambe maritima, sea kale, is a robust, clump-forming, coastal perennial to around 75 cm tall with spectacular, large, lobed, wavy-edged, blue-green, glaucous leaves on stout stems. Dense racemes to 60 cm across of small, white, fragrant flowers are produced in early summer. The blanched young shoots are eaten as a vegetable. A bold and ornamental plant for a sunny, well-drained coastal or inland garden.
About the genus
Crambe are robust annuals and perennials with large, simple or divided leaves and large panicles or racemes of small, fragrant, white, four-petalled flowers. Some are grown as architectural foliage plants, others as vegetables.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope to Caucasus
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationNatually 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
PruningCut down to ground level in autumn
PropagationPropagate 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
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to club root