Crambe maritima

Crambe maritima, commonly known as sea kale, is a handsome coastal perennial grown for both its ornamental beauty and its edible qualities. Large, fleshy, blue-grey leaves form bold mounds of foliage that bring year-round texture to the garden, while clouds of fragrant white flowers rise above the leaves in late spring to early summer, creating a surprisingly airy display. Native to the shingle beaches and coastlines of northern Europe, it is naturally adapted to poor, sandy soils, salt-laden winds, and dry conditions.

Long valued as a gourmet vegetable, the young blanched spring shoots were once considered a delicacy and commonly grown in Victorian kitchen gardens. The nectar-rich flowers attract a host of pollinators, and the broad foliage makes an excellent contrast to finer-textured plants in mixed borders and gravel gardens. Although the foliage dies back during winter, it reliably re-emerges each spring and forms increasingly impressive clumps with age.

Growing conditions:
• Full sun
• Well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil
• Drought and salt tolerant once established
• Frost hardy

Uses:
• Coastal and gravel gardens
• Edible landscapes and kitchen gardens
• Pollinator-friendly plantings
• Bold foliage contrast in mixed borders