If a plant can stop cars? This one will.

THIS CRAMBE CORDIFOLIA WILL STOP CARS, SIMPLE BECAUSE OF IT’S SIZE, A MASSIVE POOF OF THOUSANDS OF WHITE FLOWERS THAT CREATE A CLOUD AS BIG AS A CAR.
Garden writers will tell you that it smells like honey, I will add that it smells more like Honey and wet diapers, if you get my drift. I could say Horehound, (or a wet, pissy Horhound?) might be exactly what it smells like. It’s OK in small doses, but this plant doesn’t do ‘small’ very well. I have always found room for Crambe cordifolia in my garden borders, but I would suggest that you site it carefully. for both it’s scent, and it’s ultimate volume.
A SIX FOOT TALL CRAMBE CORDIFOLIA, A RELATIVE IN THE CABBAGE FAMILY, IS A RARELY SEEN BUY IMPRESSIVE GARDEN PERENNIAL WHICH PRODUCES A MASSIVE CLOUD OF FRAGRANT BABIES-BREATH LIKE WAXY WHITE FLOWERS ON STIFF BRANCHES.

IN THE RIGHT LOCATION, THIS SPECIES MAKES A TERRIFIC GARDEN PLANT, SADLY, IT IS NOT LONG-LIVED, BEHAVING MORE LIKE A BIENNIAL IN MOST GARDENS. LOOK FOR PLANTS AT BETTER GARDEN CENTERS TO SAVE TIME, AND PLAN FOR BLOOMS FOR THE FOLLOWING YEAR, AND PERHAPS THE YEAR AFTER THAT.

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Comments

  1. The smell is one of the reasons I've avoided it. Why is it most large leaved plants also produce flowers that stink?

  2. Matt, I've really enjoyed reading through your blog these past couple of days. You have a beautiful garden and your pictures are great. Nice to know that there are other local folks passionate about this kind of stuff.

    Oh, Sorry to hear about duck eggs!

  3. Matt I tried growing this two years in a row in the northern Catskills I am so jealous….A wonder beauty! Tips?

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