#floweringseakale

[jillraggett]

Plant of the Day

Friday 7 June 2019

In the garden of Myddelton House, Enfield, London, two giant members of the Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) were flowering, Crambe cordifolia (flowering sea kale, heart-leaved colewort) in the ornamental garden near the house and Crambe maritima (sea kale, sea colewort) in the productive garden. These herbaceous perennial members of the cabbage family grow wild along the coasts of Europe, from the North Atlantic to the Black Sea. They thrive in deep, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun but need shelter from strong winds.

Jill Raggett

[jillraggett]

Plant of the Day

Wednesday 6 June 2018

Outside the front door to Myddelton House, Enfield, near London, were the billowing flowers of Crambe cordifolia (flowering sea kale, heart-leaved colewort, greater sea kale). This giant of herbaceous perennials grows up to 1.8m in height, with these branched sprays small, scented white flowers. The plant thrives in deep, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun but will tolerate poorer soils. The large flower stems do best with shelter from strong winds. Edward Augustus Bowles was a self-taught gardeners, artists and expert botanist who lived in Myddelton House from 1865 to 1954 and spent much time developing the gardens which have been lovingly restored. 

Jill Raggett