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In praise of ornamental cabbages and kale

amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
in Plants
It's been nice seeing better availablity of ornamental cabbage and kale for autumn planting this year. They can add such a nice pop to beds and pots in the cold seasons. Do you use them in your gardens? 

Here's the one Cabbage Attraction White that will keep growing until the spring and create a white rosette in the centre in the process. It really cheers the main door of the house.
 



To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow

Posts

  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    I’m not that keen on them,  probably because they wouldn’t suit my situation or garden,  but   I can see why you like them.   I’ve had purple ones in winter bouquets. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    I did add three purple hearted ones in the front garden. They're fun and can totally understand not to everyone's taste but glad there's a wider choice this year, they really performed beautifully despite the really low temperatures last year. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • AthelasAthelas Posts: 946
    I don’t grow them, but I do admire them. I found these nice looking ones in Denali, Alaska.


    Cambridgeshire, UK
  • clematisdorsetclematisdorset Posts: 1,348
    I have always wanted to plant up something like this in autumn.
    Very nice arrangement, @amancalledgeorge. I do like your pot too. What type of ivy is it, do you know? It is very pretty. How long do the cabbages keep their looks? Do you need to do any sort of snipping to keep them looking sharp?
    Sorry to witness the demise of the forum. 😥😥😥😡😡😡I am Spartacus 
  • NoSlugsPleaseNoSlugsPlease Posts: 120
    This has been a useful thread for me, as I now have another item on the list for a (hopefully) new raised bed next year. I just saw a stalk of ornamental cabbage in a bouquet today, wouldn't have known what it was if I hadn't read this.
    @amancalledgeorge do you have a problem with caterpillars on these as with other brassicas?
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    The couple I planted last year in November lasted and kept growing until April the next year which was great @clematisdorset didn't do anything to them and all that happened was they got taller. When the got too tall it was time to remove. No idea what variety the ivy was...just took my fancy last year at B&Q 😉 they do have some eye catching varieties sometimes. 

    I didn't have any issues with caterpillars @NoSlugsPlease last year. I suppose if any cabbage whites are around they'll have a nibble. I don't grow any brassicas at home or any neighbours so it was no problem. 

    A picture of the pot from September 2021 the first time I used ornamental kale with heucheras.
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • clematisdorsetclematisdorset Posts: 1,348
    That looks very jolly, @amancalledgeorge! Is that Gaultheria? (the berries) I do like the colour of the kale there. It is all set-off well next to the old brick wall. Do I spy Primula and a climbing plant with white berries? Nice contrast, with the Heuchera at the back. Were you following the 'filler- thriller - spiller' school of thought?

    I do like the small-leaved dainty ivy varieties. I tried growing Gloire de Marengo once, but it was slow growing in my garden conditions then.
    Sorry to witness the demise of the forum. 😥😥😥😡😡😡I am Spartacus 
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    I just throw it all together and if I change my mind, don't repeat it 🤣 @clematisdorset it's nice to see the pot full near the front door. Yes the Gaultheria lasted for a couple of years...got too dry in the summer and died unfortunately. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
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