Peppers in the landscape!

Who would have thought that vegetables would be making their way into the landscape?  In the past few years, breeders are working on vegetables that also appeal in the landscape.  One of my absolute favorite ornamental peppers is 'Black Pearl'.  This pepper makes a bold dark statement in the landscape with its dark shiny foliage.  When the peppers mature on the plant they turn a bright red, adding to the landscape appeal of this plant.  Growing around 2-3' tall, this plant holds its on in the landscape.   

I have been asked many times, "Is this ornamental pepper edible?"  The answer is yes, but the fruit is extremely hot.  We have grown this every year in our school plant sale.  Each year we always plant a few in the landscape, because they are so tolerant of heat and neglect in the summertime.  By the fall, when the students return to school, the plants will be strutting their stuff!  As we pass the plants, students always ask about it.  When I tell them it's a hot pepper, most students get very excited and want to try it.  Most students are always eager to show off their masculinity to their friends by eating this pepper.  It's always a fun day when we have students try this HOT ornamental pepper!