not cut back further for the winter.
Prune off any damaged growth in the
spring. If allowed, plants will reseed to
monstrous proportions, quickly filling
a large area. Reseeding may be
desirable in naturalized situations,
and the seeds also attract goldfinches.
other maintenance Tolerates
hot, dry, and lean situations.
Well-draining soil is critical to survival.
Will require staking, particularly in
rich soil, if not pruned to control
height. Often short-lived. Divide every
2–3 years. Poor performance in regions
warmer than zone 7.
related plantS Cota tinctoria
‘Moonlight’ has soft yellow flowers.
Grows 2 ft. tall, often not requiring
staking. ‘Golden Rays’ is shorter and
more dense; flowers are bright yellow.
Prune back hard after blooming to
maintain density.Crambe cordifolia
colewort
braSSicaceaeGiant cloud of tiny white flowers; bold
rhubarblike basal foliage
4–7 ft. (2–3 ft.) high; 3–4 ft. wide
Sun–light shade
Blooms May–June
Zones 5–8pruning Colewort blooms for only 3
weeks, but the flowering structure
remains showy for a while longer and
may be left standing through early
summer if desired. The tiny blossoms
are borne on just a few many-branched
panicles, so when the time comes to
cut the flowering stems down, this task
is accomplished with a few quick snips.
Deadleaf plants as needed to keep
them looking attractive throughout
the growing season. Insufficient
moisture will cause leaves to crisp and
curl prematurely. Cut plants to the
ground in late fall or as soon as the
foliage becomes an eyesore.
other maintenance This broccoli
and cabbage relative isn’t too different
from its vegetable cousins in its
cultural preferences. Colewort
performs best in full sun (though
morning sun will do) and appreciates a
fertile, neutral to alkaline soil that is
regularly irrigated but well drained.
Mulch plants to conserve moisture.
Cabbage white butterfly larvae may
chew holes in the foliage; the bacterial
insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis
(better known as Bt) is an organic
control. Slugs are also fond of the
tender spring foliage. Crambe lan-
guishes in heat and humidity; thisCrambe cordifolia