Crambe cordifolia
(Heart Leaved Colewort)
Family - Brassicaceae
Category - Perennial
Origin - Caucasus
Year of Introduction - 1822
Season of Interest - Summer
Hardiness - H5
Height - up to 2m
Width - up to 1.5m
Location - The Terrace
Description: A large, clump-forming herbaceous Perennial that can reach up to 2m in height when in flower. Large, dark green, bristly leaves are Cordate to ovate in shape and are shallowly lobed. Each leaf can grow to reach approximately 60cm across. White, scented, cross-shaped flowers are produced in branched panicles. The flower stems are produced from early to midsummer and are followed by attractive, round green seed Capsules.
Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Additional common names - Flowering Sea Kale, Greater Sea Kale
Flower:
Clouds of fragrant, white, cruciform flowers are produced in highly branched panicles in June and July and are followed by small, green seed capsules. Flowering stems can reach up to 2m in height.
Flower colour: White
Flower shape: Cruciform flowers in panicles
Flowering time: June, July
Foliage:
Large, bristly, dark green leaves with shallow lobes are Cordate to ovate when young, but may vary in shape as the leaves develop. Mature leaves can reach up to 60cm across.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Cordate to ovate
Propagation:
Division, root cuttings, seed.
Cultivation:
Best in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil. Will benefit from a position sheltered from strong winds to protect the tall flowering stems.