I am enclosing two leaves or petals from a plant my husband acquired
from a nursery shop that is closed for the season. Also, enclosed is a picture
of the plant. The true color is more purple than pink. As more petals bloom at
the top, the bottom ones wither and drop. We are keeping this plant outside and
watering when needed. I would appreciate if you could tell me what kind of plant
it is, and whether it should be brought inside and a general history of it.
The plant in question is a flowering cabbage. They are an ornamental annual for winter color. The "flowering" name is a misnomer, in that the leaves change color to give it its colorful feature. Depending on variety, you can have purple, pink or white color combinations. As a cabbage plant it is a biennial, growing foliage the first year then producing a flower stalk in the second season of growth. It is not grown for this flower, as it is not attractive, nor do the plants normally last that long. Depending on our winter conditions, they can last until hot weather hits in the spring, when they begin to grow somewhat leggy, or in severe winters, they die out sooner. They are typically planted in the ground along with pansies for winter color.