Flowering Kale vs Pimpernel Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Flowering Kale
Brassica oleracea var. acephala
Flowering kale is a cool-season biennial grown as an annual for its vibrant, colorful foliage. It is not grown for edible leaves like its close relative, edible kale. The plant forms a rosette of ruffled or frilly leaves in shades of white, pink, purple, or red, surrounded by outer green leaves. It is primarily an outdoor plant, thriving in cooler temperatures and full sun. People grow it for its ornamental value, adding color and texture to gardens and containers during the fall and winter months.
Pimpernel
Lysimachia arvensis
Scarlet Pimpernel is a low-growing annual plant typically found in fields, gardens, and disturbed areas. It's characterized by its small, oval-shaped leaves and distinctive bright scarlet (though sometimes pink, orange, or blue) flowers that open only when the sun is shining. The plant rarely exceeds 30 cm in height. While historically used in herbal medicine, it's now primarily considered a weed. It is not typically grown indoors due to its preference for full sun and its weedy nature.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Flowering Kale | Pimpernel |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal color development. | Full sun |
| Watering | Every 3-7 days, depending on weather and soil drainage. | Every 2-3 days in hot weather, 5-7 days in cooler weather, depending on soil dryness. |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 30-50% |
| Temperature | 4-18°C | 15-25°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Moderate | Fast |
| Max Height | 20-40 cm | 10-30 cm |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix or garden soil enriched with organic matter. | Well-draining soil, sandy or loamy soil is preferred. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 5 minutes weekly | 5 minutes weekly (weeding, removing dead foliage) |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Flowering Kale
| Scientific Name | Brassica oleracea var. acephala |
|---|---|
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Native To | Europe |
| Also Known As | Flowering Kale, Ornamental Kale, Ornamental Cabbage |
| Leaves | The leaves of flowering kale are broad and ruffled or frilly, depending on the variety. They can range in size from 15-30 cm in diameter. The outer leaves are typically green, while the inner leaves display vibrant colors such as white, pink, purple, or red. The texture is often slightly waxy. |
| Flowers | Flowering kale may produce small yellow flowers if it overwinters and bolts in the spring. However, it is primarily grown for its foliage, and the flowers are not particularly showy. Flowering is often considered undesirable as it signals the end of the plant's ornamental display. |
Pimpernel
| Scientific Name | Lysimachia arvensis |
|---|---|
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Native To | Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia; naturalized worldwide |
| Also Known As | Scarlet Pimpernel, Red Pimpernel, Shepherd's Weatherglass, Poor Man's Weatherglass |
| Leaves | Small, oval-shaped leaves, typically 1-2 cm long, arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. The leaves are a light green color and have smooth edges. |
| Flowers | Flowers are small, about 1 cm in diameter, and typically bright scarlet, though pink, orange, and blue varieties exist. They open only when the sun is shining and close in response to cloudy weather or impending rain. Flowering occurs primarily in spring and summer. It is unlikely to flower indoors. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Flowering Kale
Pimpernel
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Flowering Kale
Methods: Seed
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost or directly outdoors in late summer for fall/winter color. Provide consistent moisture and light for germination.
Pimpernel
Methods: Seed
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Sow seeds directly into the soil in spring or fall. Seeds germinate readily in warm, sunny conditions.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Flowering Kale
Flowering kale is unique for its vibrant colors that intensify in cool weather, providing ornamental value during the fall and winter months when many other plants are dormant. Unlike edible kale, it is primarily grown for its visual appeal rather than its flavor.
- ✓ Adds vibrant color to cool-season gardens
- ✓ Provides visual interest during the dormant season
- ✓ Attracts beneficial insects
- ✓ Easy to grow outdoors in suitable climates
- ✓ Offers a unique textural element to garden designs
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Pimpernel
The flowers of Scarlet Pimpernel are known to close in response to impending rain or cloudy weather, earning it the name 'Shepherd's Weatherglass'. The flower color can vary, with scarlet being the most common, but pink, orange, and blue varieties also exist.
- ✓ Attracts pollinators
- ✓ Provides ground cover
- ✓ Historically used for weather prediction
- ✓ Adds color to the garden
- ✓ Self-seeds easily
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Flowering Kale
Pimpernel
🌞 Light Requirements
Flowering Kale
Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal color development.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Pimpernel
Full sun
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Flowering Kale
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Ensure good drainage. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and a soggy soil. Underwatering is indicated by wilting leaves.
Pimpernel
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and a soggy soil surface. Underwatering will cause wilting and dry, brittle leaves.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Flowering Kale
Temperature: 4-18°C
Humidity: 40-60%
Pimpernel
Temperature: 15-25°C
Humidity: 30-50%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Flowering Kale
Brassica oleracea var. acephalaGardeners looking to add vibrant color to their fall and winter gardens.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want vibrant fall and winter color in your garden.
- You have a sunny outdoor space with cool temperatures.
- You enjoy container gardening with seasonal plants.
- You want a low-maintenance plant for outdoor displays.
- You appreciate the unique texture and form of ornamental foliage.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have limited sunlight indoors.
- You live in a consistently warm climate.
- You have pets that might ingest the plant.
- You are looking for a long-term indoor houseplant.
Pimpernel
Lysimachia arvensisGardeners looking for a low-maintenance ground cover in a sunny location, aware of its potential to spread.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a low-growing ground cover for a sunny area.
- You are interested in a plant with a historical connection to weather forecasting.
- You want to attract pollinators to your garden.
- You have a well-draining, sandy soil.
- You are looking for a plant that self-seeds easily.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that might ingest it.
- You want a plant that thrives indoors.
- You are looking for a low-maintenance houseplant.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Flowering Kale has moderate growth, while Pimpernel grows fast.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Flowering Kale Care Tips
Flowering kale is primarily an outdoor plant and requires full sun and cool temperatures to thrive. It is challenging to maintain indoors due to its high light requirements and sensitivity to warm, dry air. Indoor plants often become leggy and lose their color.
- Plant in well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best color.
- Water regularly, but avoid overwatering.
- Fertilize every 2-4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Protect from extreme cold or frost if necessary.
Pimpernel Care Tips
Scarlet Pimpernel is primarily an outdoor plant and is very difficult to cultivate indoors. It requires full sun and well-draining soil. It is considered a weed in many areas and can spread rapidly. Indoor cultivation is not recommended.
- Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth.
- Monitor for aphids and treat promptly.
- Allow the plant to self-seed for continuous growth.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Flowering Kale
Pimpernel
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Flowering Kale
What are the light requirements for Flowering Kale?
Flowering Kale needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to develop its best color. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and dull coloration. When planting, choose a location that receives full sun exposure. If growing in containers, rotate the plants regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides.
How do I care for Flowering Kale?
Flowering Kale thrives in cool temperatures (40-70°F) and requires at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Plant in well-draining soil, enriched with compost or other organic matter. Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote vibrant color.
How do I propagate Flowering Kale?
Flowering Kale is primarily grown from seed, but propagation through stem cuttings is possible, though less common. Take stem cuttings from healthy, non-flowering shoots in late summer or early fall. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the cuttings moist and in a warm, humid environment until roots develop.
Pimpernel
What are the light requirements for Pimpernel?
Pimpernel generally prefers partial sunlight, receiving about 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, some varieties can tolerate full sun, especially in cooler climates. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering. Indoors, place Pimpernel near a sunny window, such as an east- or west-facing window. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure. If natural light is insufficient, supplement with artificial grow lights. Be mindful of intense afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves, particularly in hot climates.
How do I care for Pimpernel?
Pimpernel thrives in well-draining soil and prefers partial to full sunlight, depending on the specific species. Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer to encourage abundant blooming. Prune back spent flowers to promote further flowering. Provide adequate air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Pimpernel can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefers moderate conditions. Repot in spring if the plant becomes root-bound. Monitor for pests like aphids and spider mites and treat accordingly.
How do I propagate Pimpernel?
Pimpernel can be easily propagated through stem cuttings or division.
Last updated: May 1, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.