Ornamental peppers are some of the most striking plants you can add to a garden or patio. These unique peppers not only produce colorful fruits but also bring a vibrant mix of foliage, flowers, and texture to any space.
Their fiery shades of red, purple, orange, and black make them perfect for gardeners who want something eye-catching and easy to grow.
Most ornamental varieties are grown more for beauty than for flavor, though some have a surprising kick if you decide to taste them. They thrive outdoors in beds, raised planters, or borders, and many types also adapt well to pots indoors.
With just sun, water, and basic care, you’ll have months of dazzling color to brighten up your space.
#1 ‘Tangerine Dream’ Ornamental Pepper
‘Tangerine Dream’ is a compact pepper that reaches about 18 inches tall, perfect for borders or containers. Its glossy fruits ripen into a bright orange-red, adding a cheerful glow to your garden.
The peppers are sweet with just a hint of spice, making them both attractive and edible. Plant it in full sun and keep the soil evenly moist for steady growth.
Harvest usually begins around 70 days after planting. With its vibrant display, this pepper brings warmth and charm to any setting.
#2 ‘Purple Flash’ Ornamental Pepper
‘Purple Flash’ stands out with dark purple foliage accented by streaks of violet and white. In summer, small purple blooms appear, followed by glossy black fruits that shine against the leaves.
The fruits are edible but mainly grown for their ornamental value. Place the plant in full sun for the deepest leaf color and strongest growth.
It performs well in garden beds or as a striking potted centerpiece. This variety easily brings a bold, dramatic flair to your space.
#3 ‘Aurora’ Ornamental Pepper
‘Aurora’ is known for its rainbow effect, as the peppers shift from green to lavender, then orange, and finally red. The compact size, about 18 inches tall, makes it ideal for small gardens or balcony pots.
Each stage of ripening adds a new splash of color, so your plant looks different week to week. It thrives in full sun and needs only moderate watering.
Try planting several together for a colorful display. ‘Aurora’ is an easy, playful addition to any garden design.
#4 ‘Chilly Chili’ Ornamental Pepper
‘Chilly Chili’ is a family-friendly ornamental because its fruits are colorful but not hot. The peppers start yellow, then mature into bright red, giving you months of changing color.
Plants stay small, usually 10 inches tall and 14 inches wide, perfect for edging walkways or decorating patios. Give it sun, water it regularly, and watch the vibrant fruits appear in late summer.
This variety is safe for kids to admire without worrying about accidental spice. It’s a cheerful, low-maintenance choice for beginners.
#5 ‘Sangria’ Ornamental Pepper
‘Sangria’ is prized for its long-lasting fruits in a dazzling mix of colors. You’ll see peppers in shades of white, yellow, orange, red, and purple all at once, creating a rainbow-like effect.
The fruits are small, about 2 to 3 inches, and grow in clusters that brighten up any container or border. This variety thrives in full sun and adapts well to both hot and mild climates.
Water it regularly to keep the plant looking lush. Its nonstop display makes it a festive addition to the garden.
#6 Masquerade Ornamental Pepper (Capsicum annuum)
Masquerade Ornamental Pepper brings a dramatic touch with upright clusters of narrow flame-shaped fruits. The peppers start purple, blush with orange, and finally ripen to red, creating a fiery look.
Star-shaped white flowers appear first, adding another layer of beauty. Grow it in full sun with well-drained soil for the best performance.
It works well in pots or as an accent in beds. With its constant color changes, Masquerade always keeps your garden lively and fresh.
#7 ‘Chinese 5-Color’ pepper
‘Chinese 5-Color’ peppers live up to their name by showing cream, purple, yellow, orange, and red fruits all at the same time. The peppers pack some heat, becoming hotter as they ripen.
This plant forms clusters that are perfect for borders or decorative containers. Grow it in a sunny spot and water regularly for best results.
The mix of colors makes it look like a bowl of candy scattered across the plant. It’s a fun variety that blends beauty and spice.
#8 ‘Medusa’ Ornamental Pepper
‘Medusa’ peppers twist and curl upward like a bundle of playful ribbons, giving this plant its name. The slender fruits start ivory, then shift through orange before maturing red.
Glossy green foliage provides the perfect backdrop for the colorful display. It prefers bright sun and moderate watering, and it stays compact enough for tabletops or small pots.
With its unusual shape, ‘Medusa’ is sure to spark conversation. This variety adds a whimsical touch to any garden or patio.
#9 ‘Cajun Belle’ Peppers
‘Cajun Belle’ is a dwarf ornamental pepper that grows compact plants with glossy fruits. The peppers begin lime green, then turn orange, and finish in a bold red.
Each fruit stays under 3 inches long, making them just the right size for snacking or adding color to a dish. The plant does well in pots and small spaces, thriving in full sun.
Harvest as soon as the fruits ripen to encourage more growth. With both flavor and looks, this variety balances ornament and use perfectly.
#10 ‘Black Pearl’ Ornamental Pepper
‘Black Pearl’ is one of the most dramatic ornamental peppers, known for its deep black foliage and shiny pearl-like fruits. As the season progresses, the peppers turn a bold red, contrasting beautifully with the dark leaves.
This variety grows in a rounded, bushy shape, making it a striking focal point in gardens or pots. Plant it in full sun to keep the foliage rich and dark. With minimal care, you’ll have months of glossy color. Its elegant look makes it a true standout.