Top 9 Must-Have Flowering Kale & Cabbage for Fall Gardens

Mario Bautista September 25, 2024

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This week, Ken Lain the Mountain Gardener in Prescott covers the must-have flowering kale and cabbage for fall gardens. Do you know the difference between flowering cabbage and flowering kale? How long do ornamental cabbage and kale last? What flower plants look like cabbage? Do ornamental cabbage plants like shade or sun?

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

Angel’s 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.

Free Garden Classes at Watters Garden Center

Watters Garden Center goes deep into growing better. Check out the class selection offered every Saturday @ 9:30 am.

September 28 – Stunning Container Gardens

Everyone is going to comment on your potting success! Bring your own container or buy a new. We’ll have potting stations open, with experts to help you put together a stunning container garden.

October 5 – Fall List for a Healthy Yard

Get the most out of your landscape with this easy-to-use checklist of fall care. This easy-to-use list enhances autumn color, kills bugs, and sets the stage for amazing gardens next spring.

October 12 – Autumn Colors from Fall Gardens

This easy advice enhances the silver and blues from your evergreens, showcasing brilliant foliage and colored flowers. Make this the brightest fall of all.

Until next week, I’ll be helping gardeners here at Watters Garden Center.

This article was written by Ken Lain. He can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 W. Iron Springs Rd in Prescott, or contacted through his website at WattersGardenCenter.com or Top10Plants.com.