Re: crambe cordifolia in medit climate?

We have one on its second year up here in Shasta County where it's a lot hotter
than down there, (but also somewhat colder in winter) and it is looking pretty
good I think. The first leaves are about a foot across and still expanding. Last
year's leaves got shredded by slugs and snails so particular attention has been
given that area this year. It was a seedling last  year and never got very big.
We have it on the north side of an olive tree where it gets some morning and
afternoon sun between the equinoxes, but not any long stretches.  It is in the
shade all winter, so that may give it the winter cold it needs, but our soil
certainly never freezes. It's probably not quite fair to say we're growing it in
a mediterranean climate since we irrigate that area regularly all summer,
usually twice a week, since it is an area with a mish-mash of different
perennials.

An acquaintance here gave me root cuttings of the other one, Crambe  maritima
which has done very well to the point of invasive at his place in Anderson in a
full sun vegetable garden.  I don't know  if it compares in ornamental value
with C. cordifolia, but the small ones (still in containers) are really nice
with bluish glaucous wavy leaves.  Any information others have about C. maritima
would be appreciated.

--
Gary Matson     Far Northern California
http://www.plantstogo.com
Adapted Plants for Hot Summer Climates

Irene Kuffel wrote:

> Hello all,
>
>     I was thrilled when I recently found a crambe cordifolia at a local
> nursery, since I've been craving it ever since I saw it in several English
> gardens some years ago.
>
>     However, it's been looking a little unhappy since it went in
> the ground in my garden. I don't know its preferences and can't find it
> in the Sunset book of western plants, which led me to wonder if this in a
> plant that is unsuited to the Mediterranean climate? It hasn't really heated
> up here yet, the temperature has been in the pleasant 70's but the crambe
> leaves have been turning yellow. (I planted it in a full sun, moderate-water
> bed 3-4 weeks ago.)
>
>     Could anyone of you who has grown this plant or knows its requirements
> comment?
>
> Thanks very much,
>
> -- Irene Kuffel
>    Napa Valley,
>    California
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