Discover the beauty and cultivation of ornamental cabbage and kale. These plants are often overlooked in favor of more colorful flowers. They genuinely reveal their beauty after frost enhances their bright pink, white, and purple hues. While they may look like their edible cousins when young, their color and beauty are evident as they mature with striking ruffled ornamental foliage that enhances a garden.
Ornamental cabbages and kales are essentially the same, with “kales” having curly leaves and “cabbages” having flat leaves edged with contrasting colors. Growing these plants requires minimal effort, thriving in sunny spots with some compost.
Top 9 Flowering Varieties for Mountain Gardens
- ‘Color-Up Pink’: This cabbage features minty-green leaves with a pink blush. It flourishes in colder temperatures after about 54 days.
- ‘Condor’: This variety is a favorite for floral arrangements because of its unique long stems and compact heads.
- ‘Osaka Red’ displays deep purple outer leaves and a magenta center, intensifying in color between 35 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
- ‘Pigeon Red’: With pink centers and white-veined green leaves, this variety is ideal for fall planting to avoid pests.
- ‘Pigeon White’: Known for its creamy white centers, this cabbage looks like an elegant, frosted dessert.
- ‘Rose Bouquet’: This type has wavy, lush pink foliage and is perfect for containers or mass planting.
- ‘Tokyo Pink’: With a dense, cabbage-like head, it’s perfect for replacing tired-looking annuals.
- ‘Tokyo Red’: Valued for its formal, symmetrical appearance with bluish-green foliage and a hot pink center, developing color in just 40 days.
- ‘Tokyo White’: This variety offers green to creamy white transitioning leaves with a blush center, great for a winter garden display.
Insider Tip – Ornamental Cabbage and Kale plants thrive in cooler temperatures, which promote optimal growth and vibrant colors. To prevent common diseases, it’s essential to plant them in well-drained soil enriched with compost. The best time to plant them is in the fall to avoid pests. Additionally, adding ornamental cabbage or kale to your garden adds colorful interest and structure during the cooler months, showcasing their beauty when most other plants fade.
Plant of the Week
Angles Blush Hydrangea is locally famous for its stunning hip-high impact. This deciduous shrub puts on a breathtaking show with its large, cone-shaped flower clusters that emerge white in the late Summer and gradually deepen into a beautiful rosy blush through Autumn. The transformation creates a dynamic display that lasts well into fall, adding much-needed color to your landscape when many other plants fade. Beyond the blooms, the Angel’s Blush boasts attractive green foliage that complements the floral display and adds further texture and interest to your garden.
Angel’s Blush is relatively low-maintenance and adaptable, making it suitable for a wide range of gardens and gardeners. It thrives in partial shade, making it a great option for areas that receive dappled sunlight or afternoon shade. Its compact growth habit makes it suitable even for smaller gardens, and it can be pruned to maintain a desired size or shape. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, the Angel’s Blush hydrangea is a rewarding and reliable choice to bring years of beauty to your outdoor space.
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Free Garden Classes are offered @ Watters Garden Center
We go deep into growing better. Check out this autumn class selection offered every Saturday @ 9:30 am.
September 28 – Designing Stunning Autumn Containers
October 5 – Fall List for a Healthy Yard
October 12 – Autumn Colors for Fall Gardens
Until next week, I’ll be helping gardeners here at Watters Garden Center.
Ken Lain can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 Iron Springs Rd in Prescott, or contacted through his website at WattersGardenCenter.com or Top10Plants.com.
