Description
Ornamental Kale: A Decorative Delight for Your Garden
Welcome to our guide on ornamental kale, a stunning and hardy plant that brings unique textures and vibrant colors to your garden. Unlike its culinary cousin, ornamental kale (Brassica oleracea), also known as flowering kale, is prized for its beautiful foliage rather than its flavor. Its ruffled, fringed, or feathered leaves come in captivating shades of purple, pink, white, and green, making it a standout feature in any landscape.
Why Choose Ornamental Kale?
- Eye-Catching Foliage: Ornamental kale is renowned for its striking leaves that form rosettes of layered colors. The intricate patterns and hues intensify as the temperatures drop, providing a vivid display even in late fall and winter.
- Cold Tolerance: One of the key benefits of ornamental kale is its ability to withstand cold weather. It thrives in cooler temperatures and can even survive light frosts, making it an excellent choice for extending the visual appeal of your garden into the colder months.
- Low Maintenance: This hardy plant requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy gardeners. Once established, ornamental kale is relatively drought-tolerant and resistant to most pests and diseases.
- Versatile Uses: Ornamental kale is perfect for flower beds, borders, containers, and window boxes. It pairs beautifully with other fall favorites like pansies, chrysanthemums, and asters, adding texture and color to your garden displays.
- Edible Beauty: While primarily grown for its aesthetic appeal, ornamental kale is technically edible. However, it’s best enjoyed as a decorative element rather than a culinary ingredient due to its tougher texture and bitter taste.
Planting and Care Tips
- Planting Time: The best time to plant ornamental kale is in the early spring or late summer, allowing it to develop strong roots before the extreme temperatures of summer or winter.
- Soil and Location: Choose a location with well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Ornamental kale prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0).
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to rot and disease.
- Feeding: Fertilize ornamental kale with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time and once more during the growing season to promote healthy growth and vibrant colors.
- Pest Control: While relatively resistant to pests, keep an eye out for common garden pests like aphids and caterpillars. Use organic or chemical controls as needed to protect your plants.
- Winter Care: In colder climates, mulch around the base of the plants to insulate the roots and retain moisture. Ornamental kale can often survive light frosts and even snow, adding a splash of color to your winter garden.
Bringing Ornamental Kale Indoors
Ornamental kale can also be grown indoors in containers, providing a unique and colorful accent for your home. Place the plants in a bright, cool spot and water regularly. With proper care, indoor ornamental kale can thrive and brighten up your living space throughout the fall and winter.
Conclusion
Ornamental kale is a versatile and visually striking addition to any garden. Its vibrant colors, unique textures, and cold tolerance make it an excellent choice for fall and winter displays. Whether you’re planting it in beds, borders, or containers, ornamental kale will add a decorative touch that transforms your garden into a seasonal masterpiece.
For more information or to purchase ornamental kale, visit our plant nurseries at either our Euless or Benbrook locations.
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