When it comes to pairing ornamental cabbage, there are several options that can complement its beauty and add visual interest to your container planting. One great choice is to combine ornamental cabbage or kale with pansies. The contrasting colors and textures of these two plants create an eye-catching display. The vibrant hues of pansies, ranging from purples and yellows to whites and blues, provide a lovely backdrop to the ornamental cabbage’s unique foliage.
If you want to experiment further, you can also consider combining ornamental cabbage with other plants that can tolerate light frosts, as they share similar growing conditions. Swiss chard is an excellent choice, as its colorful stems and large, crinkled leaves add a bold and striking element to the container. Additionally, snapdragons can bring vertical interest with their tall spikes of flowers in various shades, adding a touch of elegance to the arrangement.
Petunias are another option to consider. With their wide range of colors and ability to withstand light frosts, they can create a beautiful contrast against the ornamental cabbage. The cascading habit of petunias can also soften the container’s edges and provide a more flowing and lush appearance.
To create a visually pleasing container planting, you can arrange the ornamental cabbage or kale in the center as the focal point. Surround it with a ring of pansies, allowing their flowers to spill over the edge of the container. Next, you can place Swiss chard, snapdragons, or petunias around the outer edge, alternating the colors and textures for a balanced and harmonious composition.
Personal experience: I have personally experimented with combining ornamental cabbage and pansies in my container plantings, and the results have been stunning. The contrasting colors of the cabbage and the vibrant hues of the pansies create a captivating display that never fails to draw compliments from visitors. Additionally, I have found that the combination of ornamental cabbage with Swiss chard or snapdragons adds a touch of drama and visual interest to the arrangement, making it truly stand out in my garden.
