Rock samphire

Rock samphire brings the character of the coast to an edible garden. Crithmum maritimum is a low perennial with fleshy, divided leaves and a distinctive aromatic, salty-tasting character. Greenish-yellow flower umbels rise above the foliage, giving the plant a different appearance from the soft-leaved herbs usually grown near the kitchen.

Use small amounts of young leaf to bring a coastal accent to a dish. Finely chopped leaves can accompany grilled fish or a cucumber and lemon salad. Its flavour is assertive, so start with a little rather than treating it like a mild salad leaf.

The most important cultivation requirement is drainage. Plant preferably in spring in full sun, in very freely draining soil or a container with a gritty growing medium. Shelter autumn plantings from prolonged winter rain and avoid leaving the roots in saturated compost. Pick young tips while retaining enough foliage for continued growth. A sunny gravel bed, a coastal-style planting or a well-drained patio pot gives this unusual perennial a suitable setting.