Overview
Crambe maritima is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Crambe, part of the Brassicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Crambe maritima grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden and wildlife gardens. It is native to Europe to Caucasus.
About
Crambe maritima is a vigorous herbaceous perennial that reaches a height of up to 75 cm. It develops a clump of broad, lobed leaves with wavy edges, showcasing a blue-green hue. In early summer, sturdy stems support dense clusters of small white flowers, which can extend to 60 cm in width.
About the genus
Crambe consists of sturdy annuals and perennials characterized by broad, either entire or lobed leaves, and clusters of small, aromatic white flowers arranged in racemes or large panicles.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Crambe
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Crambe maritima size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe to Caucasus
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Crambe maritima
- 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
- Pruning
- Cut down to ground level in autumn
- 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
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to club root
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Crambe maritima?
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.
Where is the best place to plant Crambe maritima?
Crambe maritima prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Crambe maritima need?
Crambe maritima is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Crambe maritima?
Cut down to ground level in autumn.
How big does Crambe maritima grow?
Crambe maritima reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Crambe maritima hardy in the UK?
Crambe maritima has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Crambe maritima?
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.
Is Crambe maritima good for pollinators?
Yes — Crambe maritima attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.