Ornamental Peppers Spice Up the Landscape

There is a wide variety of peppers to choose from for your garden. Some plants have attractive foliage ranging from bright green and dark burgundy to multi-colored variegations. They range in size too, with some growing up to 4 feet tall or as short as 6-inch dwarf selections. But the main appeal of growing ornamental peppers is the multicolored fruit. Because the fruit can remain on the plant for extended periods, it creates an ever-changing color palette as it matures during the summer season and into fall.

See more: How to Create a Butterfly Garden

Ornamental peppers have been hybridized to produce beautifully colored fruit. Many home gardeners assume the word “ornamental” is used to describe a plant with fruit that is not edible. But, ornamental peppers can be used sparingly to spice up a dish. Just remember they tend to be very hot.

Spicy Gardening

Ornamental peppers are easy to care for with just a few requirements for success. The plants prefer to grow in consistently moist, but not waterlogged plant beds. Peppers are a great choice for growing in raised beds or containers. However, fertilization is required to optimize plant growth. Using a good, controlled-release fertilizer at transplanting, like Osmocote, will feed the plants throughout the summer season.

A great example to consider for your summer garden is the Sangria variety. Young fruit emerges greenish-yellow, then marches through a parade of captivating colors including orange, lilac, purple, and finally a glorious crimson red.

See more: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Vegetables

A personal favorite of mine is Sedona Sun. This selection produces a dazzling display as it matures. The fruit ranges from bright lemon-yellow to deep apricot-orange – like having a rainbow of fire in the landscape.

Another great choice is Purple Flash. This plant, chosen as a Mississippi Medallion winner in 2010, demonstrates the versatility and value of ornamental peppers. With its purple and white variegated leaves, it’s one of the showiest peppers available on the market.