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 CharacteristicsLarge leaves and abundant flowers.
CarePrefers 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.
PropagationSow seed in a cold frame in spring or fall.
ProblemsClubroot, black rot, slugs, snails.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Planting in a Post-Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- Genus : Crambe
- Plant Width : 3 to 6 feet
- Zones : 6, 7, 8, 9
- Plant Height : 6 to 10 feet
- Moisture : Dry to Medium
- Bloom Time : Early Summer, Late Spring, Spring, Summer
- Growth Rate : Fast
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Maintenance : Low
- Plant Type : Perennials
- Characteristics : Self Seeds, Showy Foliage
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
- Flower Color : White
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.
