Brassica oleracea 'Red Peacock'
Wild cabbage, Spring greens, Flowering kale, Ornamental kale
Also known as Brassica oleracea 'Peacock Red'
- Height × spread
- 0.45m × 0.3m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are numbers of ornamental forms of the wild cabbage, grown for their winter foliage interest. In this form the leaves are dissected into fretwork, coloured in shades of purple and pink-purple. They present an improbable confection and the colour improves with cold weather. During winter they will gradually develop chunky stems. Give it fertile soil that is, preferably limey and well drained. It stands up to 45cm (18in) high with a 30cm (12in) spread.
- Foliage colour
- Pink, Purple
- Variegated
- Yes
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 0.45m
- Spread
- 0.3m
- Season of interest
- Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Bedding plant
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.