Ornamental Cabbage and Kale: Fall’s Most Underrated Plants
When most people think of fall flowers, mums and pansies come to mind first — and for good reason. But there’s another set of plants quietly stealing the show this time of year: ornamental cabbage and kale. These bold, textured plants bring a completely different dimension to fall landscaping, combining vibrant color with sculptural beauty that lasts deep into the cooler months.
At Five Stones Landscape and Garden Center, we believe ornamental cabbage and kale are some of the most underrated plants you can add to your garden this season. Here’s why these cool-weather favorites deserve a front-row spot in your fall landscape.
🌿 What Are Ornamental Cabbage and Kale?
They may look similar to their edible cousins, but ornamental cabbage and kale are grown for their looks, not their taste. These plants form beautiful rosettes of ruffled or feathered leaves in striking shades of green, white, pink, and deep purple.
As the weather cools, their colors become even more vivid — making them perfect for late fall displays when most other flowers have faded.
At Five Stones, our ornamental cabbage and kale are grown in-house to ensure vibrant color, healthy roots, and strong foliage that lasts all season long.
🍂 Why They’re Perfect for Fall in Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s fall weather — with warm days and chilly nights — is ideal for ornamental cabbage and kale. These plants love cool temperatures and can withstand frost, making them a reliable source of color all the way through November and even early winter.
Unlike many fall flowers, they don’t wilt or fade when it gets cold. Instead, they thrive, providing consistent color and structure in your flowerbeds long after other blooms have disappeared.
🌸 Where to Use Ornamental Cabbage and Kale
One of the best things about ornamental cabbage and kale is how versatile they are in design. Here are a few ideas for using them in your fall landscape:
🌼 1. Flowerbeds & Borders
Use ornamental cabbage and kale as the foundation of your fall flowerbeds. Their structured leaves provide balance and texture, pairing beautifully with mums and pansies.
🪴 2. Container Gardens
They make excellent centerpiece plants for pots, planters, and urns. Add trailing ivy or violas around the edges for a full, finished look.
🌾 3. Walkways & Entrances
Line your front walk or driveway with alternating colors — purple, white, green — for a bold and elegant display.
🌻 4. Commercial & City Landscapes
Because of their durability and long-lasting appeal, many businesses and cities use ornamental cabbage and kale for seasonal color that doesn’t fade quickly.
🌱 How to Care for Ornamental Cabbage and Kale
Even though they look fancy, these plants are incredibly low-maintenance. Here’s how to keep them thriving:
- Sunlight: Full sun is best, but they’ll tolerate partial shade.
- Soil: Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil keeps them healthy and colorful.
- Water: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells. Avoid letting them sit in waterlogged soil.
- Fertilizer: A light dose of slow-release fertilizer at planting time encourages leaf growth.
- Maintenance: Remove yellowing outer leaves as the plants mature to keep them looking neat and vibrant.
🌾 Pairing with Other Fall Plants
At Five Stones Landscape and Garden Center, we love pairing ornamental cabbage and kale with other seasonal favorites for full, balanced landscapes. Try mixing them with:
- Mums: Add vibrant pops of color above the structured greens.
- Pansies & Violas: Provide contrasting flowers and texture.
- Ornamental Grasses: Frame your beds with tall plumes for movement and depth.
- Pumpkins & Hay Bales: Great for decorative displays on porches or storefronts.
🏡 Why Buy from Five Stones Landscape and Garden Center
When you shop for fall plants at Five Stones, you’re getting locally grown, nursery-quality plants that are built to thrive in Oklahoma’s climate. We’re proud to be home to the largest nursery in the area, offering both retail and wholesale options for homeowners, landscapers, and businesses.
Our knowledgeable team can help you design, plant, and maintain your flowerbeds so your fall landscape looks professional and polished. From plants and mulch to full-service landscaping and hardscaping, Five Stones is your one-stop shop for everything outdoors.
📍 Visit Us Today
Add bold color and texture to your yard this fall with ornamental cabbage and kale — now in full stock at Five Stones Landscape and Garden Center! Visit us today to explore our wide selection of fall plants, mums, pansies, violas, and more.