Buy crambe (sea kale)
Crambe is a striking addition to any garden, known for its large leaves and white fluffy plumes of flowers. This coastal perennial blooms from spring to summer, making it a favourite in sunny borders and prairie gardens. The airy umbels provide a mustard-like scent, adding a unique touch to your garden. Its bold structure and edible qualities offer both beauty and function, attracting bees and gardeners alike. Explore the elegance of Crambe, from its architectural presence to its culinary uses. Discover why this Crambe plant might just be the perfect choice for those seeking coastal edible ornamentals with a touch of elegance.
What is Crambe and how does it serve garden and kitchen?
Crambe, commonly known as sea kale, is a versatile plant perfect for gardens and kitchens. It's a member of the Brassicaceae family and originates mainly from Europe, Central Asia, and Southwestern Asia. Often referred to as an edible perennial or coastal plant, sea kale offers culinary use in various dishes. This drought and salt-resistant plant thrives in areas like borders, group plantings, waterside plantings, and natural gardens.
Crambe has a notable ecological role, as its inflorescences attract pollinators, making it ideal for insect nooks. Historically, the plant name comes from Latin/Greek and is linked with simplicity and structure, often found in salt-loving environments.
The sea kale, or Crambe plant, grows as a robust perennial suitable for poor or lime-rich soils. Its structure is beneficial for creating borders and attracting bees. With edible leaves and coastal perennial features, it’s a sought-after option for those looking to buy Crambe bare roots in the UK or adding coastal edible ornamentals to their gardens.
Identifying features of Sea Kale as an ornamental edible
The Crambe, also known as sea kale, is a perennial plant with a robust nature. It grows upright and can reach a height between 60 cm and 1.5 metres. This makes it suitable for various garden settings, including borders and group plantings. The plant has large, sometimes undulating leaves and airy inflorescences, with flowers appearing in fluffy plumes. These blooms are mainly white or cream white and typically emerge from May to July. Factors like climate, soil richness, and plant care can influence the flowering period.
The development of the Crambe starts with its foliage, which is known for being both edible and ornamental. Over time, the plant's height and spread can increase, making it a structural builder in garden designs. The Crambe is bee-friendly and performs well in poor or lime-rich soils, showcasing its drought and salt resistance.
While the Crambe is often grown for its decorative features, it also offers culinary uses. Its mustard-like scent adds to its appeal, contributing to the biodiversity of insect nooks and natural gardens. The robust Crambe is a decorative garden plant with large leaves and white flowers. This versatility makes it a popular choice for many gardeners looking to enhance their space with both beauty and utility.
Crambe has large, coarsely lobed leaves with a rough texture. The leaf colour is a unique grey-green to blue-green, providing an ornamental cabbage-like foliage that stands out in gardens. These leaves are adapted for their environment with fleshy structures that limit evaporation, making them suitable for dry conditions. In winter, Crambe retains its foliage due to its resilient nature, providing year-round interest in gardens. Its winter hardiness is notable, withstanding temperatures as low as -29°C, suitable for USDA zone 5 to 6. This robust plant performs well even in windy conditions and poor soil, although well-drained conditions are preferred to avoid root rot.
Crambe is also highly heat and drought resistant, thanks to its deep taproot system which allows it access to moisture deep in the soil. This makes the plant ideal for coastal and rock gardens where water may be scarce. It remains safe for gardens as it is not toxic to children or pets, making it a versatile choice for family-friendly spaces.
The plant contributes significantly to biodiversity, with its striking umbels of white flowers that bloom in late spring. These flowers attract various pollinators, enhancing the ecological balance in the garden. Crambe's ability to mimic natural habitats also supports local wildlife, providing food and shelter, while its resilience helps maintain the garden's health and resistance to adverse conditions. This makes Crambe a valuable addition to any garden focused on sustainability and biodiversity.
Using Crambe in coastal or vegetable garden designs
Crambe, often admired for its striking appearance and versatility, can be a fantastic addition to various garden styles. It brings structural interest and delicate blooms to any space. Here are some ways to incorporate this plant into garden designs:
Use Crambe in a sunny border to add height and texture with its airy blooms.
In a prairie garden, Crambe provides beautiful structure with its robust foliage and stems.
Crambe cordifolia offers airy blooms, perfect for softening the landscape and attracting pollinators.
For a coastal perennial garden, plant Crambe maritima, known for its edible leaves, to bring a touch of seaside charm.
Create an insect nook by including Crambe to support bees and other beneficial insects.
Plant Crambe along watersides as it enjoys moist conditions and enhances natural settings.
For group planting, mix Crambe with other perennials to create a lush, cohesive garden space.
In a natural garden, Crambe can blend seamlessly, offering a wild yet controlled look.
Sea kale, especially Crambe maritima, is well-regarded for its culinary use. The young leaves are edible and can be cooked like spinach. This makes it a valuable addition to a vegetable garden for those wanting to explore unique flavours. The plant thrives in coastal areas, withstanding salty air and sandy soils, making it ideal for such environments.
Crambe is not only functional but can also be a stunning focal point thanks to its large, bold leaves and clusters of tiny white flowers. Its ability to attract bees and other pollinators supports biodiversity, making it a desirable plant for eco-conscious gardeners. Consider using sea kale to enhance both aesthetics and functionality in your garden. To enjoy the full benefits of this plant, buy sea kale from reputable sources and see how it transforms your garden into a vibrant, thriving ecosystem.
Plants that pair well with Crambe in open sunny plots
Crambe, known for its striking white cloud-like blooms, combines beautifully with various plant types in a garden. This plant can be paired with Eryngium and Achillea to create a dynamic and colourful display. The spiky blue Eryngium adds contrast to the soft, airy flowers of Crambe. Meanwhile, Achillea brings vibrant yellows and reds, complementing the white tones. Perovskia provides a silvery-grey backdrop with purple spikes, enhancing the textural variety. Stachys, with its woolly leaves, offers a soft touch, while the tall, bold Verbascum provides vertical interest. These combinations work well in sunny plots, making the garden more visually appealing. Crambe blooms with a cloud of flowers and pairs beautifully with sturdy perennials . These plant combinations attract bees, adding life and movement to the garden. The structural nature of Crambe makes it an excellent choice for borders or prairie gardens. Its versatility as an ornamental and edible plant adds further appeal, making it a must-have for any garden enthusiast.
Soil and exposure needs for growing strong Crambe (sea kale) plants
Crambe requires a sunny location, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. This light exposure is crucial for its growth and vigour. Factors such as nearby buildings or large trees can block sunlight, so choose a spot with minimal shade. While Crambe is somewhat resistant to wind, protection from strong gusts is beneficial. Planting near a fence or hedge can provide some shelter.
Crambe grows best in calcareous, stony, and nutrient-rich soils. The soil should be well-draining to avoid root rot. Adding organic matter or compost can improve soil fertility, enhancing plant growth. Regular fertilisation during the growing season also supports healthy development.
Soil moisture is another vital factor. While Crambe can tolerate some drought thanks to its deep taproot, consistent moisture levels are optimal. Too much wind or intense sun can dry the soil quickly, so mulching can help retain moisture.
Crambe prefers slightly alkaline to neutral pH levels, thriving in conditions that match its natural coastal habitat. Soil testing can guide any necessary amendments. With the right care, this coastal perennial can become a robust addition to any garden.
Best season and method to plant or divide Crambe
Crambe is ideal to plant in spring, preferably in April or May. This coastal perennial thrives in well-drained, calcareous soil with low nutrients. It requires full sun, making it perfect for rock gardens or open borders. It's important to plant when the ground is frost-free. Plants delivered in pots can be planted year-round, but those with roots or clumps are best in spring or autumn.
When considering plant spacing for Crambe, factors like growth speed and mature size matter. Check specific plant properties on Heijnen's product page for recommended spacing per metre. Generally, larger plants need more space, while smaller ones can be planted closer.
For soil preparation, ensure the ground is well-drained and dry. Adding Heijnen planting soil can be beneficial. No fertiliser is needed due to the plant's adaptation to nutrient-poor environments.
Crambe requires proper care post-planting. Water the plant well initially, then keep the soil dry. Overwatering can be detrimental. Sea kale is known for its drought tolerance, thanks to its taproot and fleshy leaves. No additional fertiliser is necessary. With the right conditions, Crambe presents beautiful, cloud-like white blooms and edible foliage.
Caring for Crambe through seasons and harvesting cycles
Crambe, or sea kale, is a robust perennial that thrives in well-drained, lime-rich soils. It is bee-friendly and perfect for adding structure to borders. This coastal plant is valued for its inflorescences that attract pollinators and its edible leaves. Caring for crambe involves attention to its seasonal needs and harvesting cycles for optimal growth.
Plant in deep, well-drained soil with full sun exposure.
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Prune in early spring using sharp secateurs to remove old leaves and encourage new growth.
Use light frost protection for young plants to ensure survival through winter.
Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support robust flowering and leaf production.
Harvest leaves in early summer for culinary use, ensuring to leave enough for plant health.
This edible perennial is versatile for border planting, group planting, and natural gardens. It can grow both inland and near coastlines, providing an attractive habitat for pollinators. Observing the plants’ needs ensures they remain a vibrant addition to any garden setup throughout late spring and early summer seasons.
The textured leaves and spring flowers of Crambe
Crambe adds a unique charm to any garden with its lovely features. The white, cloud-like blooms create an airy and elegant look during spring and early summer. These flowers, grouped in umbels, are attractive and add a soft texture to the landscape. The foliage of Crambe is noteworthy, with grey-green and blue-green leaves that provide a delightful contrast against the white flowers. The leaves are not just ornamental but also edible, making Crambe a valuable addition to both ornamental and edible gardens.
Crambe is excellent for attracting bees and other beneficial insects, offering both food and shelter. As a coastal perennial, it thrives in poor or lime-rich soils, making it drought-tolerant and robust. The upright, airy growth form of Crambe impresses in the border as a tall, airy prairie plant . This sea kale plant provides structure and interest all year round, and its decorative foliage remains striking even in winter. Crambe's ability to thrive in challenging conditions makes it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet impactful plant.
Popular Crambe species grown for food and looks
Crambe, also known as sea kale, is a versatile plant that thrives in coastal areas. It is appreciated for its ornamental cabbage-like foliage and edible leaves. Here are some popular species of Crambe that are both beautiful and practical for gardens.
Crambe cordifolia : Known for its tall and elegant white flowers that bloom in late spring. This species is a showstopper with its large leaves and is perfect for adding height and texture to garden beds. Its flowers attract bees, making it a great choice for pollinator-friendly gardens.Crambe maritima : Commonly called sea kale, this coastal perennial is highly valued for its culinary use. The young leaves are edible and often harvested in early summer. It's easy to grow in sandy soil UK conditions and is resistant to drought and salt, making it an ideal plant for coastal areas.Crambe tataria: This species is smaller than the others and features striking, deep green leaves. It is drought-resistant and prefers well-drained soil. The flowers, although smaller, are equally charming and appear in late spring.
Crambe abyssinica: Known for its oilseed production, this species is more agricultural but still offers ornamental appeal with its broad leaves. It requires a sunny location and blooms with small white flowers.
Crambe hispanica: This variety is notable for its compact growth and dense foliage. It's a great option for smaller gardens or as a border plant. Its flowers appear later in the season, providing a prolonged bloom period.
Crambe orientalis: With a preference for full sun, this species can grow in a variety of soil types. It produces large clusters of tiny white flowers that are perfect for cutting gardens.
Crambe kotschyana: Distinguished by its lush foliage and robust growth, it is a hardy plant that can withstand poor soil conditions. It blooms with delicate white flowers in early summer.
Crambe filiformis: Featuring fine, delicate leaves, this species is a subtle addition to any garden. It is drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
Crambe juncea: Often used for its seeds, this plant is also a visual delight with its feathery foliage and petite flowers. It prefers well-drained soil and a sunny spot.
Crambe aspera: Known for its resilience, this species thrives in tough conditions and offers lush, green foliage. The flowers are small but numerous, creating a charming effect in gardens.
Crambe glabrata: This species distinguishes itself with smooth leaves and a compact form. It’s a good choice for containers or mixed borders.
Crambe tatica: With its tall spikes covered in small flowers, it makes a striking statement in any garden. It prefers a sunny spot and blooms in late spring.
Crambe scaberrima: This variety features rugged, textured leaves and thrives in rocky soil. It blooms with clusters of flowers in early summer.
Crambe gigantea: Known for its impressive size, this plant can add a dramatic flair to large gardens. It needs plenty of space and blooms with large, showy flowers.
Crambe glandulosa: A unique species with glandular stems and leaves. It is a point of interest in any plant collection and requires minimal care.
These popular
Crambe species can be ordered online at Heijnen. Enhance your garden with these beautiful and practical plants.
The benefits and limits of planting Crambe
Crambe is an attractive and versatile plant for any garden. This unique perennial offers several advantages and a few challenges.
Advantages:
Crambe is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for gardens with limited water access.
It blooms for a long period, adding beauty to the garden over several months.
The structural nature of Crambe provides a striking visual appeal, enhancing garden design.
As an insect-friendly plant, it attracts beneficial insects, promoting a healthy ecosystem.
Its striking foliage offers an eye-catching element to any planting scheme.
Disadvantages:
The plant is not suitable for wet soils, which could lead to root problems.
Crambe is hard to transplant once established, making placement decisions important.
Sensitivity to root disturbance means care is needed during planting and maintenance.
Proper soil preparation and choosing the right location, along with correct care and timely fertilisation, can reduce the risks of diseases and pests. Crambe (sea kale) should be well-tended for optimal growth and flowering.
Order edible and ornamental Crambe from Heijnen
Crambe is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to enhance their garden with a versatile plant. Available at Heijnen, Crambe offers both decorative and edible qualities. This plant thrives in sunny borders or prairie gardens, where its airy blooms shine. With a tolerance to drought, the Crambe plant is low-maintenance and perfect for coastal areas. The plant's foliage is not only striking, but it also attracts bees, making it valuable for pollinator gardens. Sea kale, a type of Crambe, is particularly noted for its culinary use and salt resistance, adding to its appeal in varied garden settings. The long flowering period from late spring ensures continuous beauty. Enjoy a leaf harvest in early summer which is both nutritious and delicious. For those wanting a structural plant that is robust and beneficial, Crambe is an ideal choice. Order Crambe (Sea Kale) from Heijnen – a sturdy plant with decorative foliage and dramatic flower heads for structure in any garden.