Crambe maritima (Sea Kale)

Crambe maritima (Sea Kale) is a robust herbaceous perennial forming a fantastic clump of large, lobed, wavy-edged powdery-blue leaves. Resembling cabbage leaves, they form a bold foliage mound that is handsome in its own right. In summer, dense sprays of small, fragrant creamy-white flowers are carried above the foliage. Aside from being ornamental, Sea kale is also a popular vegetable in parts of Europe, where shoots are blanched in the spring and eaten like asparagus. It is also useful in coastal areas where salt spray and saline soils are common.

• Grows up to 30-36 in. tall (75-90 cm) and 24-30 in. wide (60-75 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in deep, fertile, well-drained soils. Tolerates poor soil and partial shade. Provide shelter from strong winds. Some drought tolerance once established.
• Excellent choice for beds and borders, coastal gardens, cottage gardens or vegetable gardens.
• Keep an eye out for slugs and club root.
• Cut down to ground level in autumn.
• 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.
• Native to Europe, northern Africa, southwestern Asia.