Masses of creamy white flowers form clouds over the large, blue-gray green leaves with ruffled edges. This is a tough plant, tolerating wet and dry soils, salty water, and cold winter temperatures. For best results, plant in full sun and rich soil, and protect from cabbage loopers.

In medieval Europe, gardeners used to cover the plants with clay pots in early spring to blanch the new foliage and then prepare the creamy white leaves as they would cabbage.