Colewort is a towering perennial brassica that transforms a garden into something theatrical come early summer. Growing 4 to 7 feet tall with a spread of 3 to 4 feet, this substantial plant anchors itself with massive, crinkled, cabbage-like foliage before exploding into clouds of delicate white flowers in June and July. Hardy in zones 5 through 8, it thrives in full sun with moderate watering and moderate care once established, rewarding patient gardeners with both edible leaves and spectacular fragrant bloom.
Full Sun
Moderate
5-8
84in H x 48in W
—
High
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The fragrant white flowers that emerge in early summer are the real showstopper, appearing in such profusion they nearly envelop the enormous foliage beneath in a baby's breath-like cloud. The foliage itself is striking: deeply lobed, crinkled, rounded leaves that can vary dramatically in size, creating visual interest even before the plant blooms. This perennial's substantial architecture and long-season presence make it a structural anchor in the garden, while its brassica leaves remain edible throughout the growing season.
The large, cabbage-like leaves are edible and can be harvested and prepared like other brassica greens. Beyond the kitchen, colewort's dramatic floral display and substantial form make it valued as an ornamental specimen plant in borders and as a focal point in perennial gardens.
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Harvest leaves from the foliage mound as needed throughout the growing season, selecting outer leaves to encourage continued production. Treat harvest like you would kale or collards, picking individual leaves or cutting sections as desired for culinary use.
Staking of the flowering stems is typically required to maintain upright form, particularly as the branching floral display becomes heavy with bloom. Deadheading spent flowers is optional; many gardeners leave the dried seed heads for winter interest and to support beneficial insects.
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