When summer flowers fade and leaves begin to fall, ornamental cabbages step in to steal the show. With their ruffled rosettes and rich, saturated colors, these leafy beauties are cold-hardy and thrive in the cooler temperatures of autumn. Often mistaken for flowers, ornamental cabbages bring bold purples, creamy whites, and vibrant pinks to garden beds, borders, and containers. They’re low-maintenance, deer-resistant, and a striking way to extend your garden’s visual appeal well into winter. Here are 10 stunning varieties to try this fall.
1. ‘Color Up Pink’ Ornamental Cabbage
A true showstopper, ‘Color Up Pink’ features soft green outer leaves that gradually give way to an intense, rose-pink center. The contrast is eye-catching, especially when planted en masse or alongside silver foliage like dusty miller. This variety forms a tight, symmetrical rosette and maintains its color even after light frosts. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is perfect for container arrangements or edging walkways.
2. ‘Nagoya White’ Ornamental Cabbage
‘Nagoya White’ is prized for its ruffled, lacy leaves that transition from soft green to a frosty, creamy white at the center. It looks like a giant snowflake tucked into your garden and pairs beautifully with ornamental kale or pansies. This cabbage variety tolerates cooler weather exceptionally well and adds elegance to autumn planters or formal garden beds. The layered foliage also creates beautiful texture under winter lighting.
3. ‘Pigeon Purple’ Ornamental Cabbage
Bold and dramatic, ‘Pigeon Purple’ features a tight rosette of silvery-green leaves with a vivid, magenta-purple center. It’s compact and uniform in shape, making it ideal for mass plantings or colorful borders. As temperatures drop, the purple deepens, making it a dynamic presence in any fall display. This variety also looks stunning in large patio pots or urns combined with trailing vines and mini pumpkins.
4. ‘Osaka Red’ Ornamental Cabbage
With flat, broad leaves and a bold magenta core, ‘Osaka Red’ delivers a simple yet striking color contrast. Its compact form and upright habit make it a reliable option for neat, structured garden designs. It pairs beautifully with mums or fall grasses and provides a soft splash of color as other perennials fade. This variety is easy to grow and thrives in cooler temperatures, with color intensifying as the weather cools.
5. ‘Kamome White’ Ornamental Cabbage
A lacy-leafed variety that looks like it was dusted with snow, ‘Kamome White’ has deeply fringed green outer leaves surrounding a creamy white heart. It’s a cold-loving plant that remains attractive well into winter, even under light snow. This variety is particularly popular for holiday-themed planters, as it resembles a winter flower. The crisp white coloration complements evergreen arrangements beautifully, bringing a refreshing contrast to darker seasonal foliage.
6. ‘Glamour Red’ Ornamental Cabbage
True to its name, ‘Glamour Red’ dazzles with its glossy, almost lacquered leaves and a deep red to burgundy center. It’s the first ornamental cabbage variety to have such a shiny finish, giving it an extra visual pop in the garden. ‘Glamour Red’ is ideal for high-traffic areas where its reflective foliage can catch the light and attention. Use it in symmetrical plantings or as a statement piece in decorative pots.
7. ‘Peacock White’ Ornamental Cabbage
Resembling a snowflake or a sea coral, ‘Peacock White’ has narrow, finely cut leaves with a bright white center surrounded by pale green. It’s more delicate in appearance than other cabbages, offering a lace-like texture that contrasts nicely with broader-leaved varieties. Despite its intricate look, it’s hardy and thrives in chilly autumn weather. This variety looks especially stunning when planted near rocks or in frost-kissed gardens.
8. ‘Rose Bouquet’ Ornamental Cabbage
‘Rose Bouquet’ is often mistaken for an actual rose thanks to its tight rosettes and soft, romantic shades of pink and lavender. The leaves are smoother and slightly curled, mimicking petals. This variety brings a floral elegance to fall plantings and works wonderfully in ornamental arrangements or front porch containers. It’s also excellent for companion planting with violas or snapdragons for a layered, blooming effect through fall.
9. ‘Coral Prince’ Ornamental Cabbage
‘Coral Prince’ brings a touch of royalty to the fall garden with its frilly, coral-pink inner leaves and light green outer foliage. The plant’s ruffled texture adds depth and movement to flower beds and mixed borders. It looks especially vivid under cloudy skies or moonlight, making it a great pick for evening gardens. This variety is also a favorite for cut flower arrangements due to its rose-like form and long-lasting freshness.
10. ‘Tokyo Pink’ Ornamental Cabbage
Compact, colorful, and neatly layered, ‘Tokyo Pink’ bursts with vibrant pink hues surrounded by crisp green leaves. This variety stays small, making it ideal for window boxes, borders, or decorative tabletop planters. As the temperatures drop, its pink core intensifies, creating a glowing centerpiece for cool-season displays. It’s also highly resistant to pests and frost, making it both a reliable and beautiful garden feature.