Crambe kotschyana

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

What it is like

Crambe kotschyana is a PERENNIAL growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 2.5 m (8ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 2.5

Where it is found

Rocky slopes to 4300 metres. On humus rich soils, usually below rocky cliffs, 2000 - 2500 metres in Kashmir.

E. Asia - Himalayas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaves - cooked. Used as a vegetable. Root - cooked. Used as a vegetable. Nutritious.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 1

Antipruritic.

Antipruritic: Treats itching of the skin.

Other

Rating:

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

An easily grown plant, succeeding in a good loam and an open sunny position. Prefers a slightly alkaline soil in a position sheltered from strong winds. Tolerates poor soil and some shade. Dislikes acid soils. Prefers a rather dry soil. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. A deep-rooted plant, it dislikes root disturbance. Plants can be grown in the summer meadow if the grass is not cut too low (since this would damage the growing point). A good bee plant. Very closely related to C. cordifolia and considered by some botanists to be no more than a variety of that species, differing mainly in its larger flowers.

Propagating it: Seed - sow March/April in a seedbed outdoors and either thin the plants out or move them to their permanent positions when about 10cm tall. The young plants are very attractive to slugs so some protection will often be needed. Germination can be slow so it is best to sow the seed in pots in a cold frame. Germination usually takes place in 3 - 26 weeks at 15°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out into their permanent positions when they are at least 10cm tall. Division in spring or autumn. Dig up the root clump and cut off as many sections as you require, making sure they all have at least one growing point. The larger of these divisions can be planted out straight into their permanent positions, though small ones are best potted up and grown on in a cold frame until they are established. Root cuttings, 3 - 10 cm long, in spring. These can be planted straight into the open ground or you can pot them up in the greenhouse and plant them out once they are growing strongly.

Best place to grow: Meadow; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. cordifolia kotschyana. (Boiss.)O.E.Schulz.