Have you ever seen a garden plant that made you do a double-take, wondering if it was a vegetable or a flower? You are not alone. Certain ornamental flowers, like some cabbages and their floral look-alikes, boast beautifully layered and ruffled forms. In fact, there is a whole group of stunning flowers that look like cabbage, offering incredible texture and color for your garden beds and containers.
These plants, often called ornamental cabbages and kales, are prized for their rosette shapes. But the look-alike effect doesn’t stop there. Several true flowering plants share this unique, layered aesthetic. This article will help you identify these beautiful plants and show you how to grow them successfully.
You will learn which varieties work best for different seasons and how to care for them. Whether you want to add winter interest or summer drama, these cabbage-like blooms are a fantastic choice.
Flowers That Look Like Cabbage
The most famous examples of flowers that look like cabbage are, technically, not flowers at all. Ornamental cabbage and kale are the direct relatives of your garden vegetables. They are grown for there stunning foliage, which forms tight, rose-like heads in shades of pink, purple, cream, and white.
However, several true flowering plants also develop a similar, densely packed form. Their petals arrange themselves in a way that creates a full, rounded head reminiscent of a cabbage. This structure is not only beautiful but also attracts pollinators and provides long-lasting garden interest.
Understanding the difference between ornamental foliage plants and true flowering types helps you plan your garden better. It also ensures you provide the right care for each specific plant.
Ornamental Cabbage And Kale: The Classic Look
Let’s start with the plants that most directly mimic the cabbage form. Ornamental cabbage and kale are cultivars of Brassica oleracea. They are grown exclusively for their good looks, as their taste is usually more bitter than edible varieties.
They thrive in cool weather, often reaching their peak color after a frost. This makes them exceptional plants for fall and winter gardens when little else is in bloom. Here are the key characteristics:
- Ornamental Cabbage: Forms a large, round head with smooth leaf margins. The center color is usually a vivid pink, purple, or white.
- Ornamental Kale: Also called flowering kale, it has deeply fringed or ruffled leaves and does not form a tight head. The foliage is often more feathery and dramatic.
Both types provide that instant “cabbage flower” effect from late summer straight through to spring in mild climates. They are perfect for borders, pots, and even as a unique cut foliage in arrangements.
Flowering Plants With A Cabbage Form
Beyond the brassicas, several true flowering perennials and annuals produce blooms with a layered, cabbagelike appearance. These plants add a different dimension, offering seasonal flowers alongside their interesting form.
Garden Roses (Rosa spp.)
Specifically, the fully double rose varieties can resemble elegant, refined cabbages. Old Garden Roses like Gallicas and Damasks, as well as modern English Roses bred by David Austin, often have hundreds of petals packed into a cupped or rosette shape.
The way the petals unfurl can create a beautifully quartered center that looks intricately layered. While they don’t have the same color variegation as ornamental kale, their form is undeniably similar and much more fragrant.
Peonies (Paeonia lactiflora)
Bomb-type double peonies are the ultimate springtime example of a flower that looks like a cabbage. These lush blooms are so densely packed with petals that they form giant, rounded heads.
As they begin to open, the tight ball of petals looks very much like a sophisticated, pastel-colored cabbage. They are a garden favorite because of their incredible scent and longevity as cut flowers. Proper staking is essential, as these heavy blooms can bend to the ground after a rain.
Ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus)
Often called the “rose of the spring,” ranunculus are champions of the layered look. Their paper-thin petals are arranged in perfect, concentric circles, creating a dense, cabbage-like bloom.
They come in a rainbow of colors and are a staple in floral design. You can grow them from corms (often called bulbs) in the spring or in fall in warmer zones. They prefer cool, sunny conditions and well-drained soil.
Certain Dahlias
Dinnerplate dahlias get all the attention for size, but for the cabbage form, look to decorative and ball-type dahlias. These dahlias have fully double flowers with rounded, slightly curled petals that form a tight, globe-shaped bloom.
The effect is a perfectly spherical “flower head” that can be as large as a softball. They provide this unique texture from midsummer until the first fall frost, making them a long-lasting garden performer.
Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum)
Lisianthus flowers are renowned for their rose-like appearance, but the double varieties can easily pass for a delicate, upright cabbage. Each stem produces multiple blooms with layers of ruffled petals.
They are a favorite for bouquets because of their elegant form and long vase life. Growing lisianthus from seed is a challenge, so most gardeners opt to purchase started plants in the spring.
How To Grow And Care For Cabbage-Like Flowers
Success with these plants depends on matching them to the right season and providing their basic needs. While ornamental cabbages love the cold, dahlias and ranunculus prefer warmer conditions. Here is a step-by-step guide to get you started.
Choosing the Right Plant for Your Season
Your climate and the time of year are the most important factors. Picking a plant suited to your season ensures it thrives and shows its best colors.
- For Cool Seasons (Fall, Winter, Early Spring): Choose ornamental cabbage and kale, ranunculus (spring bloom), and some hardy roses.
- For Warm Seasons (Late Spring, Summer): Focus on peonies (late spring), dahlias, lisianthus, and ranunculus (in cooler summer areas).
Always check your plant hardiness zone and the specific variety’s requirements before planting. This simple step prevents disappointment.
Planting for Success
Proper planting gives your flowers a strong foundation. Most of these plants require good drainage to prevent root rot.
- Sunlight: Almost all need full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct light per day. Ornamental kale can tolerate partial shade.
- Soil: Amend your garden soil with compost to improve drainage and fertility. A neutral to slightly acidic pH is ideal for most.
- Spacing: Give plants enough room for air circulation. This is crucial for preventing fungal diseases like powdery mildew, especially on peonies and roses.
When planting ornamental cabbage or kale, you can set them slightly deeper than they were in their nursery pot to encourage a sturdy stem.
Ongoing Maintenance and Care
Consistent care will keep your plants healthy and blooming their best. The needs vary, but some principles are universal.
- Watering: Water deeply at the base of the plant, avoiding the foliage. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings for most types. Ornamental cabbages prefer consistently moist soil.
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time. For heavy bloomers like dahlias and roses, a monthly dose of liquid fertilizer during the growing season can boost flower production.
- Deadheading: For true flowering plants like dahlias and roses, remove spent blooms regularly. This encourages the plant to produce more flowers instead of setting seed. Ornamental cabbage does not need deadheading.
- Pest Control: Watch for common pests. Aphids love roses and kale, while slugs and snails can damage dahlias and ranunculus. Use organic controls like insecticidal soap or hand-picking to manage them.
Design Ideas For Your Garden
These textural plants are incredibly versatile in landscape design. Their bold forms act as focal points or tie a planting scheme together.
Creating Striking Container Displays
Ornamental cabbages and kales are container superstars, especially in fall. Plant them alone for a dramatic statement or combine them with cool-season annuals like pansies, violas, and trailing ivy.
For a summer pot, a single ball dahlia or a compact rose variety can serve as the “thriller” in the center, surrounded by filler and spiller plants. The container’s height showcases the perfect form of the cabbage-like flower.
Adding Texture to Garden Beds and Borders
Use these plants to create rhythm and repetition. Line a pathway with alternating ornamental kales in the fall. Plant a row of peonies along a fence for a breathtaking spring display.
In a mixed border, the round, full shape of these flowers contrasts beautifully with spiky plants like salvia or ornamental grasses. They also pair well with fine-textured foliage from plants like Artemisia or ferns.
Using Them as Cut Flowers
Many of these blooms are exceptional in vases. Peonies, ranunculus, dahlias, and lisianthus are all top-tier cut flowers. For ornamental cabbage and kale, cut the entire head at the base for a long-lasting foliage accent that can last weeks in water.
To make cut flowers last longer, always cut stems in the morning, strip lower leaves, and place them in clean water with flower food. Change the water every two days.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with good care, you might encounter some issues. Here’s how to identify and fix the most common problems.
Yellowing Leaves or Poor Color
If your ornamental cabbage isn’t showing its bright colors or leaves are yellowing, it’s often a nutrient issue. Cool temperatures trigger the pink and purple pigments, so if fall is too warm, color may be delayed.
Yellowing can also signal overwatering or poor drainage. Check that the soil isn’t soggy. A lack of nitrogen can cause pale leaves; a light application of a balanced fertilizer can help.
Leggy or Stretched Plants
This usually means the plant isn’t getting enough sunlight. All these plants require ample sun to grow compact and sturdy. If grown in too much shade, they will stretch toward the light, resulting in weak stems and fewer flowers.
For already leggy ornamental kale, you can plant it deeper when transplanting to support the stem. For others, its best to relocate them to a sunnier spot if possible.
Pest Infestations
Aphids, cabbage worms, and slugs are the main culprits. Inspect the undersides of leaves regularly.
- Aphids: Blast them off with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Cabbage Worms: These green caterpillars can decimate ornamental kale. Handpick them or use an organic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray.
- Slugs and Snails: Set out beer traps or use an iron phosphate-based bait around susceptible plants like dahlias.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about flowers that look like cabbage.
Are Ornamental Cabbage and Kale Edible?
Technically, yes, they are edible as they are the same species as garden kale and cabbage. However, they have been bred for looks, not flavor. They tend to be much more bitter and fibrous than culinary varieties. It’s best to enjoy them for their visual appeal in the garden.
Which Flower That Looks Like a Cabbage Is the Easiest to Grow?
For beginners, ornamental cabbage and kale are the easiest. They are readily available as transplants in the fall, are cold-tolerant, and have few pest problems if started healthy. They provide instant impact with minimal effort.
Can I Grow These Plants From Seed?
You can, but the difficulty varies. Ornamental kale and cabbage are relatively easy to start from seed indoors about 6-8 weeks before your fall planting date. Ranunculus and lisianthus are more challenging for home seed starters due to their specific germination needs. Most gardeners buy these as started plants or corms.
How Do I Get My Ornamental Cabbage to Turn Color?
The vibrant pink, purple, and white centers are triggered by cool temperatures. The plant needs exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) to develop its best color. This is why they often look their best after the first few frosts. Planting them too early in warm weather can delay coloring.
Do Deer Eat These Plants?
Unfortunately, deer often find ornamental cabbage and kale quite tasty, as they are related to a common food source. True flowering plants like peonies and daffodils are typically more deer-resistant. If deer are a problem in your area, you may need to use repellents or fencing to protect your ornamental brassicas.