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Crambe cordifolia (Colewort)

Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

(Based on 1 user review)

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Hardiness Zones:

Botanical Name: Crambe cordifolia KRAM-bee kor-dih-FOE-lee-ah

Common Name: Colewort Genus: Crambe

This species is notable in stature, forming a giant mound and producing a profusion of airy white flowers on tall stems in late spring to midsummer and then dying down in midsummer to late summer. Colewort can reach 8 feet high and about half as wide. Grow in a large border or open woodland.
Noteworthy characteristics: Large leaves and abundant flowers.
Care: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, but will tolerate poorer soils in partial shade. It is susceptible to rot in moist soils, and may be short-lived. It tends to survive winters beyond Zone 6.
Propagation: Sow seed in a cold frame in spring or fall.
Problems: Clubroot, black rot, slugs, snails.

Overview
User Reviews
Photos

Height	6 ft. to 10 ft.
Spread	3 ft. to 6 ft.
Growth Habit	Clumps
Growth Pace	Fast Grower
Light	Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture	Dry to Medium
Maintenance	Low
Characteristics	Self Seeds; Showy Flowers; Showy Foliage
Bloom Time	Early Summer; Late Spring; Spring; Summer
Flower Color	White Flower
Uses	Beds and Borders, Specimen Plant/ Focal Point
Style	Cottage Garden
Seasonal Interest	Spring Interest, Summer Interest
Type	Perennials

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posted by judgehort
1/25/2010
Region: Northeast
Zone: 7

Crambe cordifolia was fine when I grew it in Zone 5. My quarrel is with the odour. It is said to smell of honey; well perhaps, but with a hint of laundry [old socks maybe?] in the background. It would be best at the back of a border, or the back 40 if one is particularly sensitive to smell.

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