Ornamental cabbage and kale are the kinds of plants I love to design with. I think of these plants as I do succulents; they aren't flowers but offer a flower or rosette kind of shape. They can be tucked into gardens among many other types of plants and look incredible throughout the year, and offer an unexpected bonus over winter.
If you live in a milder climate and are looking for intense color and texture, especially over the winter months, these plants are perfect for you.
J. Peterson Garden Design
Botanical name: Brassica oleraceaCommon names: Ornamental cabbage, ornamental kale
Water requirement: Average
Light requirement: Full sun to light or dappled shade
Mature size: 6 inches to 2 feet in diameter
Benefits and tolerances: Low-maintenance drama in the garden
Seasonal interest: Winter color and texture in mild climates; spring interest in cooler climates
J. Peterson Garden Design
Distinguishing traits. Although sometimes called flowering cabbage or flowering kale, these plants are grown for their striking foliage rather than flowers. They are edible as well, even though they are labeled "ornamental."
Their popularity is due to the intense colors and textures, with the cabbages forming flower-like rosettes and the kale forming a looser, leafy growth.
Rocco Fiore & Sons, Inc
How to use it. Ornamental cabbage and kale are spectacular bedding and container plants, combining well with evergreens as well as other cool-season annuals like pansies,
violas, snapdragons, stock and alyssum.
Look for
Brassica oleracea 'Peacock Red' or 'Peacock White',
B. oleracea 'Nagoya Red' or 'Nagoya White', and
B. oleracea 'Osaka Pink' or 'Osaka White'.
J. Peterson Garden Design
Planting notes. Purchase these plants in 1-gallon containers; smaller sizes such as 4-inch pots may have stunted growth or may take too long to mature. Choose a sunny site for them — although they will tolerate some light or dappled shade, their growth and color will be healthier and livelier in fuller sun.
They will take cold temperatures, but if you are expecting freezing rain or ice, be sure to cover them up to avoid damage. Water in well before an expected freeze.
More ideas for winter gardening
