Certain varieties of cabbage and kale produce decorative, nonheading plants with green or purple leaves and colorful white, cream, pink, red, or purple central leaves. These are sold as flowering cabbage and can be used as attractive edging or for low-accent plants in flower beds. Ornamental cabbage, like other members of the cole crop family, matures best under cool temperatures. They can tolerate moderate frosts and light snow with little or no damage, making them an excellent fall/winter ornamental. The leaves are edible but are tough and have a strong flavor. The plants are subject to the same insects and diseases as common cabbage.

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