Ornamental vegetables have been gaining attention since the late 1980s, when a planting scheme at Kew’s Palm House featured herbs and veg in a summer display. The effect was striking, especially from potatoes in full flower. Since then, gardeners have embraced the idea of growing veg for both looks and taste.
Here are some of the best options to bring colour and interest into beds, borders and containers.
Broad beans
Most broad beans produce white flowers with black markings, often hidden among the leaves. One stands out from the rest. ‘Crimson Flowered’ carries purplish red blooms with black marks, and the flowers are far more visible. It brings welcome colour to the veg patch while still producing a reliable crop.
Beetroot
Many beetroot varieties have dark green leaves, but a few offer rich foliage colour.
• ‘MacGregor’s Favourite’ has broad, glossy purple-red leaves
• ‘Bull’s Blood’ produces narrower foliage in a similar shade
Both work well alongside marigolds, where their dark leaves contrast beautifully with bright blooms.
Cabbage
Red cabbages spread their red or purplish leaves long before forming tight hearts. This early growth creates bold colour and structure, often with a soft blue haze over the foliage. Try:
• ‘Red Sky’
• ‘Red Rookie’
Grow them through a low carpet of trailing pearly lilac petunias to make the foliage stand out.
Brussels sprouts
Traditional Brussels sprout plants are dramatic but rarely described as beautiful. Two varieties change that.
• ‘Rubine’, an old heirloom
• ‘Red Bull’, a modern introduction
Both develop rich purple foliage from early growth through to Christmas harvest, creating impressive, upright plants in the garden.
Carrots
Carrots earn their place for their fine, feathery foliage. The soft texture contrasts well with broader leaves such as heucheras. All varieties offer similar ornamental value, so experiment with how you sow them. Instead of neat rows, sow in patches between perennials or annuals. This not only looks more natural but also helps confuse female carrot flies searching for plants on which to lay their eggs.
Chard
Chard is one of the most colourful leafy vegetables. Related to beetroot, it is grown for its bold leaves and vividly coloured midribs rather than swollen roots. Stems may be:
• Red
• Purple
• Pink
• Orange
• Yellow
• White
Seeds are available in single colours or as mixes such as ‘Bright Lights’, which produces a vibrant blend.
Herbs
Many herbs would be grown for their foliage alone. Sage and rosemary offer year round structure, even without their culinary uses. For extra leaf interest, look for:
• Variegated oregano
• Decorative mints
• Curly parsley such as ‘Curlina’ or ‘Envy’
• Curly parsley makes an excellent foil for low growing annuals and patio plants. It also responds well to regular snipping for the kitchen.
Lettuce
Ornamental lettuces can leave gaps when whole heads are harvested. Cut-and-come-again types solve the problem.
Simply snip or pick the outer leaves and allow the plant to regrow from the centre. Good choices include:
• ‘Red Salad Bowl’, an oak-leaved favourite
• ‘Lollo Rosso’, with finer foliage
Both add colour and texture without leaving empty spaces in beds and containers.
Runner beans
With runner beans, it's all about the flowers. While traditional varieties produce red blooms, there are other options:
• ‘Celebration’ with pale pink flowers
• ‘Moonlight’ with white flowers
• ‘Painted Lady’ with red and white flowers
• ‘Hestia’, a dwarf red and white variety ideal for containers
All combine attractive flowers with delicious beans.
Kale
Curly purple kale is a standout ornamental. Sow in spring for summer colour, perhaps alongside blue salvias, or sow later for strong winter interest. New variegated forms add even more impact:
• ‘Emerald Ice’ with green and white leaves
• ‘Midnight Sun’ with green and pink foliage
These work particularly well as specimen plants in terracotta pots, where their bold colouring can be fully appreciated.
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