Ornamental Cabbage

Ornamental cabbage is a cold-hardy foliage plant grown for its vibrant, multi-colored rosette centers rather than for eating.

Scientific name: Brassica oleracea—the same species as edible cabbage, broccoli, and kale.
Appearance: Features large, broad, smooth outer leaves in blue-green surrounding a bright, contrasting center of pink, purple, red, or white.
Difference from Kale: True ornamental cabbages have relatively smooth, flat leaves, while ornamental kales have heavily frilled, ruffled, or deeply serrated edges.
Color change: Plants are mostly green at first; striking center colors emerge and intensify only when daytime temperatures drop below 60°F and frosts arrive.
Uses and Care
Landscape role: Perfect for replacing fading summer annuals to provide cool-season color in autumn and winter gardens.
Placement: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil; ideal for garden borders, mass plantings, or containers paired with pansies.
Edibility: Technically edible, but rarely eaten because the leaves are tough, fibrous, and bitter (though sometimes used as plate garnishes)