In the fall, when hydrangeas, pansies and sunflowers are blooming, ornamental kale is often overlooked. In fact, the young plants look very similar to the food varieties and have large green leaves. However, if you wait until the first frost, then you will certainly be thrilled with the ornamental cabbage. Its green leaves turn saturated purple or pink tones overnight. The ornamental cabbage has a decorative value and stands out in terms of colors and foliageseasonal flowersin no way. We list 9 of the most beautiful varieties that will surely convince you to plant ornamental cabbage instead of flowers.
Plant ornamental cabbage instead of flowers: The plant is partially hardy
The ornamental cabbage is a typical ornamental plant. Depending on the variety, it can have a compact to bushy habit. Its curly leaves with slit edges, which turn pink to purple in autumn, make it an attractive eye-catcher in the container garden. Most varieties of ornamental cabbage reach a maximum height of 50 cm and have a compact growth habit.
Ornamental cabbage variety “Color-Up Pink”: charming eye-catcher
The “Color-Up Pink” variety fascinates with mint-green leaves that turn pink at temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. An important requirement is the correct planting time: the plant needs at least 54 days until it develops its pink leaves.
Ornamental cabbage variety “Osaka Red”: ornamental plant for the container garden
With its dark magenta leaves, the “Osaka Red” variety gives the autumnal arrangement color and structure. The ornamental cabbage changes color particularly intensely at temperatures between 2° and 7° Celsius. This plant reaches a maximum height of 20 cm, so it remains very compact and is ideal as a gap filler in the planter or flower pot.
Planting ornamental cabbage: The “Condor” variety is also suitable as a cut flower
The “Condor” variety has an exceptionally long stem and small leaves. It therefore visually resembles a flower and looks good both in the container garden and in autumnal arrangements. This ornamental cabbage is available in two colors - red and white - and is very common in southern and western Europe. Like all ornamental cabbage varieties, “Condor” is a true sun worshiper.
Planting ornamental cabbage: The “Pigeon Red” variety
If you plant the “Pigeon Red” variety six weeks before the first frost, you will be able to admire the pink leaves at temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. The seeds need sunlight to germinate, so press them firmly into the soil but do not cover them.
Ornamental cabbage variety “Pigeon White”
The ornamental cabbage of the “Pigeon White” variety fascinates with its snow-white color. However, it not only attracts attention, but is also a real magnet for insects (unfortunately also for pests). If you are lucky and plant the ornamental cabbage at the end of September, you may be spared the aphids.
Plant ornamental cabbage instead of flowers: “Rose Bouquet”
The “Rose Bouquet” variety cuts a fine figure both as a soloist in a plant pot and in combination with other seasonal flowers and foliage perennials. This variety thrives best in substrates with good permeability and requires regular fertilization. They strengthen the plant and make it less susceptible to diseases and pests.
Ornamental cabbage for the container garden: an overview of the Tokyo varieties
The “Tokyo” varieties are the perfect planting partners for other autumn flowers such as horned violets and snapdragons. In contrast to other types of ornamental cabbage, which more closely resemble flowers or leafy perennials, the Tokyo variety has the shape of a typical cabbage head.
The leaves are symmetrically arranged and have pink veins. The growth phase lasts 40 days, after which the ornamental cabbage begins to change colors. The discoloration begins from the inside out.
The white variety “Tokyo White” resembles a water lily. The ornamental cabbage is partially hardy, but can still be left outside until the beginning of the winter season.
Ornamental cabbage varieties and suitable planting combinations
The ornamental cabbage is the perfect autumn plant and is ideal as a gap filler in the container garden. Chrysanthemums, horned violets and pansies are suitable planting partners. Decorative foliage perennials such as sedum, silverleaf and ivy as well as some seasonal ornamental grasses also get along well with ornamental cabbage. The design options depend primarily on the size of the plant pot.
You can also use the ornamental cabbage as a cut plant and make beautiful flower arrangements or bouquets yourself with ornamental cabbage and roses.
You can usually find pre-grown plants in garden centers. Certain online shops also offer seeds.
