sea kale
Crambe maritima
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones5 to 9
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size2.5 to 3 feet tall2 to 2.5 feet wide
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Bloom color
- White
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Sea kale (Crambe maritima) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, and food gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun and dry to average soil of most types. Fragrant white flowers open in early to late summer and draw bees and butterflies. Deer tend to pass it by. You can harvest the young leaves to eat raw or sauteed in butter.
Pairs well with Woolly yarrow, Feather reed grass, and Evening primrose.
Native range
Europe, Central Asia, and Krym.