As summer annuals fade, gardeners in cool climates often seek plants that can withstand dropping temperatures while still providing visual interest. Ornamental kale, a close relative of edible cabbage, offers a solution with its rosettes of frilly, ruffled foliage in shades of red, violet, pink, white, and green. These colors deepen as the weather cools, making them a staple for autumn containers and garden borders.
Ornamental kale, also known as flowering kale, forms tight rosettes of curly, lacey, or deeply cut leaves. These plants serve as either the central “thriller” or as “filler” in potted arrangements, pairing well with chrysanthemums, asters, ornamental grasses, snapdragons, Swiss chard, pansies, and violas. They require full sun, consistent moisture, and well-draining soil to thrive.
Gardeners can start ornamental kale from seed sown in containers before the first fall frost or after the last spring frost. Alternatively, nursery starts offer an instant display. Most flowering types are hardy in zones 10-11 and are grown as annuals elsewhere. They flourish in cool weather and may last through winter in mild climates, but they will wither in extreme cold or heat.
Notable Varieties for Structure and Color
‘Redbor’ stands out for its upright, magenta-red stems and tall, tightly curled leaves. It transitions from dusky blue-green to burgundy and plum in cool weather, and unlike many ornamental kales, it has a mild flavor that sweetens with cold. This variety is highly cold-hardy and frost-tolerant.
‘Red Russian’ offers a different aesthetic with mint-green oak-like leaves and reddish-purple stems. This 1885 heirloom is both ornamental and edible, with tender baby leaves ready for salads in about 20 days and mature leaves suitable for cooking. It matures quickly, reaching full size in under two months.
For a feathery texture, the ‘Peacock’ series includes ‘Peacock White’ and ‘Peacock Red.’ These dwarf plants, reaching 8-12 inches, have deeply serrated, narrow leaves. ‘Peacock White’ pairs deep green outer foliage with a creamy white core, while ‘Peacock Red’ shows dramatic green and purple outer leaves with a rosy red center. Their color intensifies as temperatures drop below 60°F (16°C).
Compact and Cold-Tolerant Choices
‘Coral Prince’ is a compact variety with an open rosette of rich green outer leaves, a creamy white interior, and a light pinky mauve center. Its feathery, notched foliage and sturdy stems make it a graceful accent. ‘Coral Queen’ is a related variety with intense red and purple coloring.
‘Yokohama Red’ is an extra-curly dwarf with fringed leaves in greens, purples, and reds. It has improved cold tolerance and a long growing season before bolting. ‘Kamome Pink’ features finely ruffled, dense rosettes with dark green frills surrounding a bright rose-pink center, making it a good contrast against blue, white, or yellow blooms.
‘Winterbor’ is among the most frost-tolerant varieties, with tall, thick blue-green leaves that sweeten after a chill. It lasts well into winter and even spring in mild climates. ‘Nagoya Red’ offers tight frills on broad leaves, with lilac-tinted outer foliage and a saturated purple-red center. This series does not require very cool temperatures to show vivid color.
Large Rosettes and Culinary Options
‘Glamour Red’ is an All-America Selections Winner with glossy green and deep pink foliage, less waxy than other types, giving it a shiny finish. It produces large rosettes up to 14 inches wide and has a low-growing, mounding habit, ideal for the front of containers.
‘Darkibor’ forms a puffy mound of long, supremely curled leaves in deep to bright green. It is frost-tolerant and also withstands warm temperatures without bolting quickly, making it a reliable choice across climates. Its leaves are edible with an intense but not overly bitter flavor.
‘Chidori Red’ has a mounding form with especially curly leaves striated in green, magenta, and white. It features deep pink centers and frilled margins, providing a unique filler option that tolerates cold and mild winters. ‘Dinosaur,’ also known as black Tuscan kale or ‘Lacinato,’ is an Italian heirloom with heavily crinkled blue-green leaves that can reach nearly black in crisp conditions. Young leaves are ready in just 21 days from sowing, and mature plants take about two months.
When selecting ornamental kale for autumn containers, consider the desired height, texture, and color palette. Many varieties offer the dual benefit of ornamental appeal and culinary use, making them versatile additions to the fall garden.
