Fall Foliage

Gardens enter a time of vibrant transformation in autumn, when the landscape is draped in rich, warm hues. Leaves are beginning to shift color, and the air becomes crisp and cool. Gentle breezes float through the trees, removing the first leaves of the season from their attachments. ​It is a peaceful, reflective time when growth slows down and plants begin to prepare themselves for dormancy. The first day of the fall season, which is today, is a great time to start thinking about updating pots and annual beds. A great group of plants to pay attention to this year is ornamental greens. This group includes ornamental Kales and Cabbages, and has the potential to raise your displays to the next level. 

Many of us are used to seeing Brassicas in the veggie garden or on our salad plate, but it may surprise you to find out that they are also quite fantastic at adding interest to ornamental planters. Although they are commonly overlooked in favor of other flowering fall plants like Cyclamens or Mums, they have beautiful colors that are typically brought out even more with cool temperatures. Commonly called Flowering Cabbage or Flowering Kale, these plants are not edible; their leaves tend to be bitter and unpalatable. Leaves are typically deeply cut, frilly, or ruffled, and the only use they get in the kitchen is as garnish. 

Ornamental cabbage and kale plants are best in full sun to partial shade. In warmer climates, especially in early fall, these plants will need some protection during the warmest hours in the late afternoon. For the most vibrant foliage, ensure that they get at least six hours of direct sunlight. Ensure that soil is well-draining and amended with plenty of compost or other organic material before planting. They need regular waterings; a good rule of thumb is to irrigate when the top inch of soil feels dry. 

Both types of ornamental greens form rosettes of leaves, though flowering kales tend to have serrated or fringed leaf margins and flowering cabbages form more of a head of foliage with smooth edges. Both are considered cool-season biennial plants which grow vegetative leaves in the first year, and send up flowers in the second. They are typically grown as annuals, removed from displays after their foliage begins to wilt with extended freezing temperatures in wintertime.

There are a few different varieties of these plants that are available through nurseries and other plant sellers. Although starting from seed is possible, it is not always recommended because many seed packets are not marked with the exact cultivars included. It is more common to purchase starts at a nursery or other plant seller when the plants are already producing colorful foliage. Popular varieties of ornamental kale include the 'Peacock' series and the 'Chidori' series. Ornamental cabbage varieties include 'Color Up', 'Osaka', and 'Pigeon'.

These foliage plants are relatively easy to care for, and don't have many pest or disease issues. Although they can be planted directly in the ground throughout the landscape, they make a bigger statement in containers or when planted en masse. They pair well with Chrysanthemum, ornamental grasses, Asters, Heuchera, and Pansies. If you're looking for a plant to brighten up your fall containers this year, look no further than these flowering relatives of some of our edible favorites.

Until next time!