As fall arrives and the air gets cooler, it’s time to transition from summer blossoms to something a little warmer in color while still thriving in the cooler air. Ornamental kale and cabbage are a wonderful way to do just that. Planted with the right companion plants, they can transform your yard and containers with the warm glow of fall.
There are numerous types of ornamental kale and cabbage, each distinct in color, texture, and growing pattern. They are very hardy in cold weather and can tolerate light frosts down to 5 degrees. They’re the perfect addition to your fall pots in lieu of flowers. In fact, they’re a flower in their own right! Let’s take a gander at the different types of ornamental kale and cabbage available.
Ornamental Kales
Kamome Series features deeply fringed, ruffled leaves with compact centers in bright red, pink, and white.
Nagoya Series offers round leaves with heavily frilled edges that form a tight rosette, displaying colors early in shades of red, rose, and white.
Peacock Series displays deeply serrated, feather-like leaves in shades of red or white.
Crystal Series features glossy, non-waxy leaves on compact plants.
Jersey Kale can reach heights of 4 to 6 feet, making it a great choice for dramatic centerpieces.
Ornamental Cabbages
Osaka Series features smooth, slightly wavy leaves with bright centers of pink, red, or white.
Crane Series grows on taller stems, reaching up to 2–3 feet tall.
Coral Series features deeply cut, feathered leaves surrounding contrasting inner colors like white or red.
And, of course, there is the beautiful ‘Mother of Pearl’ cabbage (Brassica oleracea). This cabbage forms a tight, symmetrical rosette resembling a giant rose or peony, featuring silvery-green outer leaves and a pastel or vivid center ranging from cream and pink to lilac-purple. A crowd favorite!
When you decide to adorn your exterior landscape with kale or cabbage, be sure to pair them with tall grasses, coral bells, or a variety of ornamental pepper plants to create a warm and inviting space in your yard. It may be cold outside, but your yard and garden can still be elevated by a little fall warmth!
