What's the name of the winter outdoor plant with big purple leaves?

runway41

Ok, this plant reminds me of purple cabbage or kale, but its a rich eggplant color and the leaves are huge and kind of drape over like bunny ears...I only seem to notice them in yards once their already landscaped...does anyone know the name of the plant I'm describing so that I can track it down? 

Thanks so much for your help!

laddiebug

Any chance you could find a picture?

runway41

i tried googling a few different things with no luck. I haven't seen any here in NC.  I only initially saw them in GA while vacationing for our anniversary. I'll try looking some more.

RoRo10733

I found a picture of a plant in one of my seed catalogs...I don't know if it is a winter plant though. It is called "Pseuderanthemum...Black Varnish." It sends up a spike of rich, pink flowers and loves heat and humidity.

acrlyhed

It IS cabbage/kale! Ornamental, that is. You can find them in garden centers and greenhouses in the fall when pansies are sold. They are used because they tolerate cold weather very well and maintain their vibrant color. Google "ornamental cabbage." If you have a green thumb, you can start them from seed in the summer.