While we’re enjoying the last colors of fall, it’ll only be a matter of time until the trees have shed those glorious leaves! Planting winter shrubs for color creates visual interest after the blazing hues of autumn have faded. You and your neighbors will be treated to a pop of color in your garden all year. Besides bringing sensational visual interest through our grayest days, most deciduous shrubs and evergreens also attract birds with their attractive berries and seeds.Here are some of the best shrubs for winter color that will work wonders to improve your winter views and prevent your cold-weather blues!Winterberry Holly is one of the most easily recognizable winter shrubs. Its bright glossy red berries offer a brilliant burst of color between November and March. It can grow up to 15 feet high and can spread between 5-12 feet. It requires regular pruning, which is a fantastic opportunity to use the trimmings as holiday decorations in your home. (Be careful; the berries are toxic to humans and pets!) Add sprigs of holly to a dazzling winter bouquet or use it to trim your Christmas tree.
Firethorn, or Pyracantha, has striking red berries like holly but can also be a yellow or orange hue. Those sunset colors stand out beautifully against a dreary landscape. It grows between 4-5 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide. If you decide to grow Firethorn, you’ll also get to enjoy gorgeous white flowers during the summer months. Firethorn makes for a great hedge if you’re looking to create some privacy. As the name hints, you’ll have to watch out for thorns on this one, but it’s worth it if you’re looking for a vibrant addition to your garden. Try letting it grow along a wall to create a lush focal point for winter photoshoots! Beautyberry, besides being very fun to say, is amazing to look at, too. This fast-growing shrub shows off delicate violet, white, or pink flowers in the summer. In winter, it grows gorgeous clusters of violet bead-shaped fruit. The violet fruit is like no other and is show-stopping in any weather! The Beautyberry is irresistible to birds during the winter and to pollinators during the summer. Beautyberries can grow between 3-8 feet. You should prune it back near the end of winter or beginning of spring to keep its neat, rounded shape.
Witch Hazel can delight your senses with citrus-scented orange and yellow fiery blooms between October and April. The blooms have an interesting shape that look a bit like spiders. Witch Hazel bark extract is a common ingredient in beauty and medicinal products, so this shrub is kind of like having a pharmacy in your own backyard. This low-maintenance shrub is resistant to pests and disease, so you won’t have to worry about too much upkeep. Witch Hazel can thrive in containers for several years before planting in the ground. American Witch Hazel can grow up to a massive 20 feet tall and wide, but you can keep it to a manageable size with some pruning. Witch Hazel is known as the ‘Queen of Winter’ for a reason! It’s one of the easiest and most stunning options available.Barberry is an excellent choice if you’re looking to plant a unique shrub. There are over 400 gorgeous species to choose from, but watch out; many have thorns! The Japanese and Wintergreen varieties are two that produce beautiful winter fruit. The Japanese variety has small, red berries, while the Wintergreen has oval-shaped blue-black fruit. These low-maintenance beauties can grow in containers or in urban settings, which is an excellent option if you don’t have a ton of yard space. The berries are tart but sweet enough to use in jams or salads. You can also juice them or drink them in tea. This is another plant that looks stunning in its natural environment or added to a seasonal floral arrangement.Adding winter shrubs for color is an excellent investment. There are plenty of varieties to choose from. You can customize species and placements to best fit your home and garden needs. Remember that caring for your winter shrubs is key to keeping them thriving every year. With proper care, they can continue to bring you the brightest berries on the block. If you have other questions about how to bring more color to your garden this season, please contact or visit us at Westwood Gardens! Our locations are brimming with inspiration for your landscape, holiday gifts, and winter decor.
