When the vibrant blooms of summer begin to fade and the landscape transitions into the warm tones of autumn, many gardeners search for plants that can keep their gardens looking lively and colorful. Ornamental cabbages are the perfect answer. With their unique foliage, striking colors, and bold textures, these plants add charm and visual appeal to gardens during the cooler months. Unlike edible cabbages, ornamental cabbages are primarily grown for their aesthetic value, making them excellent choices for fall gardens, borders, containers, or decorative landscapes.
In this guide, we’ll explore five varieties of ornamental cabbages that can brighten your fall garden, along with planting tips, care requirements, and design ideas to maximize their impact.
Why Choose Ornamental Cabbages for Fall?
Ornamental cabbages (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) are cold-hardy plants prized for their vibrant foliage that becomes more colorful as temperatures drop. They offer many benefits for fall gardeners:
- Cold Tolerance: Thrive in cooler weather and can withstand light frost, which often enhances their color.
- Unique Colors: Display shades of green, pink, purple, cream, and white, resembling living floral arrangements.
- Low Maintenance: Easy to grow and require minimal care compared to many flowering plants.
- Design Versatility: Suitable for borders, beds, or decorative containers to complement fall mums and pansies.
With these advantages, ornamental cabbages are a must-have for anyone wanting to extend seasonal beauty in their outdoor space.
1. Peacock Ornamental Cabbage
The Peacock variety is one of the most delicate and graceful types of ornamental cabbage. It features finely feathered, lacy leaves that resemble ferns or coral, giving it a soft, elegant texture in the garden.
- Appearance: Narrow, feathery leaves with shades of pink, white, or purple at the center surrounded by green edges.
- Best Use: Works beautifully as a border plant or in containers where its lacy foliage can be fully appreciated.
- Design Tip: Pair Peacock cabbages with pansies, violas, or ornamental kale to create a colorful and textured fall display.
2. Chidori Ornamental Cabbage
The Chidori series is one of the most popular ornamental cabbages thanks to its bright, saturated colors and compact size. It’s perfect for creating bold accents in fall gardens.
- Appearance: Compact rosettes with tightly ruffled leaves. Available in bright magenta, creamy white, and lavender shades.
- Best Use: Ideal for small garden beds or container arrangements. Their vibrant centers act like living bouquets.
- Design Tip: Use Chidori varieties in clusters to create a colorful patchwork effect across your garden.
3. Color Up Ornamental Cabbage
The Color Up series is known for its upright growth and tall structure, making it a great background or vertical interest plant in the fall garden.
- Appearance: Large, flat leaves with bold centers of red, pink, or white surrounded by green.
- Best Use: Works well in large planters, mass plantings, or as focal points in mixed fall displays.
- Design Tip: Combine Color Up cabbages with ornamental grasses for height and movement.
4. Osaka Ornamental Cabbage
The Osaka variety is a popular choice for gardeners seeking large, bold foliage with crisp and colorful centers. These cabbages resemble open roses when fully grown.
- Appearance: Wide, flat leaves that form round rosettes with creamy white, rose pink, or deep red centers framed by green.
- Best Use: Great for creating dramatic focal points in garden beds or large containers.
- Design Tip: Pair Osaka cabbages with fall-blooming asters or chrysanthemums to balance their bold forms with floral softness.
5. Pigeon Series Ornamental Cabbage
The Pigeon series is admired for its vibrant and long-lasting colors, making it a favorite among landscapers and home gardeners alike.
- Appearance: Round, compact rosettes with a tight head. Colors include rich purples, bright pinks, and whites, which intensify in cool weather.
- Best Use: Perfect for edging garden beds or filling out container arrangements.
- Design Tip: Plant alongside trailing ivy or creeping Jenny for a striking contrast in color and form.
Tips for Growing Ornamental Cabbages
While ornamental cabbages are relatively easy to care for, following these guidelines will help them thrive and maintain vibrant colors:
- Soil Requirements: Plant in well-draining, fertile soil enriched with organic compost.
- Sunlight: Full sun is ideal, though they can tolerate partial shade. Sunlight enhances their leaf color.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging. Regular watering promotes lush growth.
- Spacing: Space plants about 12–18 inches apart to allow rosettes to expand fully.
- Temperature: Cooler temperatures bring out deeper, richer leaf colors. They can withstand frosts and remain attractive even into early winter.
- Pest Control: Watch out for common brassica pests like cabbage worms or aphids. Use organic methods such as neem oil or row covers to protect plants.
Design Ideas for Ornamental Cabbages in Fall Gardens
- Borders & Edging: Line pathways or garden edges with alternating varieties for a patterned effect.
- Mixed Containers: Combine with mums, pansies, asters, or ornamental grasses for layered fall arrangements.
- Centerpieces: Place in decorative pots on porches, patios, or entryways to welcome guests with seasonal charm.
- Mass Planting: Plant multiple varieties together for a tapestry of colors that resemble a living quilt.
Conclusion
Ornamental cabbages are an excellent way to extend garden interest well into the fall season. With varieties like Peacock, Chidori, Color Up, Osaka, and Pigeon series, you can enjoy a wide range of colors, textures, and forms that bring life to your outdoor spaces long after summer blooms have faded. Their ability to withstand cooler temperatures, low maintenance needs, and striking aesthetic value make them a gardener’s favorite for autumn landscapes.
By incorporating ornamental cabbages into your fall garden, you’re not only adding seasonal beauty but also creating a welcoming and vibrant environment that shines even as the days grow colder.
