Crambe

( KRAM - bee )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of perennial plants need full sun to light shade and regular water. They are relatives of Cabbage, and produce blue-green smooth leaves and loose clusters of small, white flowers in summer that smell like honey. Leaves will turn yellow and die after bloom period ends.

Crambe Species and Varietals

Crambe grows best in zones A2, A3, 2-9 and 14-17. ​To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Crambe cordifolia (Greater Sea Kale, Colewort, Heartleaf Crambe)
Hailing from the Caucasus, this plant will form a 2-3 foot tall mound of leaves from which intricately-branched flower stems sprout. When it is in bloom, the plant can reach 6 feet high and 4-6 feet wide. This is an ornamental plant, and is not meant to be eaten.

Crambe maritima (Sea Kale, Seakale, Crambe)
This edible species hails from the coasts of Northern Europe and has naturalized itself on the Oregon coastline. It gets to 2 feet tall and wide, and has bluish-green leaves. In late winter or spring, leaves are covered to prevent them receiving sunlight, and are then harvested like asparagus. These plants can be easily grown from seed.

Caring for Crambe

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 268, Crambe
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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