Crambe

A real border giant, this plant creates the same sort of effect as gunnera when not in flower, but grows in poor dry soil. It is also much hardier and does not need winter protection. In flower it is unmistakable - a plant will cover itself with a frothy mass of foam-like flowers that look fragile and more like those of gypsophila, but with a sweetish perfume. These blooms are attractive to bees. Being deep rooted, it is very drought tolerant, but plants do not move once established so it is vital to pick the right spot first time. Use it at the back of a big border where it is a good foil for other flowers, or grow alone as a specimen plant. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its Award of Garden Merit (AGM).