Crambe cordifolia

Crambe cordifolia is also known as Greater Sea-Kale, Colewort, or Heartleaf Crambe. It is a species of flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae – the cabbage family! This family is native to the Caucasus; the region between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea (places like Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and parts of Southern Russia).

 

Seakale grows quickly so you want to keep the soil moist by giving it an inch or two of water every week. To get the most out of your plants, you want to feed them regularly with a continuous release plant food. These plants will be happiest in full sun where they can grow in fertile well-drained soil, but be sure to provide shelter from strong winds. In spring, you should surround the plant with garden compost or manure, and in autumn be sure to cut it down to ground level. C. cordifolia can grow to 1.8m in height and is an herbaceous perennial. They have dark green leaves that are lobed and can grow up to 30cm wide – absolutely stunning! When in bloom, from May to July, they have sprays of small, beautifully fragrant white flowers.

 

If you take pride in your garden (don’t we all!) this would be a great addition for you – Crambe has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. They are safe for pets and young children.