Shrubs with red berries in winter are a garden’s jewel when most other plants have shed their leaves or flowers. These vibrant berries not only offer a striking contrast against the often-muted winter landscape but also serve as an essential food source for birds and other wildlife during the colder months. The red hue of the berries can vary from a deep, rich scarlet to a bright, cherry red, adding a splash of color and life to the garden when it’s needed most.
Cultivating these shrubs generally requires attention to soil type, with many preferring well-drained conditions, though some thrive in moister environments. Sunlight exposure can also be crucial, with full sun often bringing out the brightest berry colors, although some species can tolerate or even prefer partial shade. Pruning might be necessary to maintain shape or encourage more fruiting, usually done after the berries have been enjoyed by wildlife or have naturally fallen.
These shrubs can be utilized in landscape design for various purposes, from creating privacy screens or hedges to serving as focal points or naturalizing large areas. Their presence in a garden not only beautifies the space but also supports biodiversity, making them a wise choice for gardeners looking to blend beauty with functionality in their winter landscapes.
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
This deciduous holly is perhaps one of the most celebrated for its winter berries. After its leaves drop, the bright red berries on female plants become the focal point, especially against a snowy backdrop. Winterberry thrives in acidic, moist soils and requires a male pollinator nearby to produce berries. These berries are not only visually appealing but also a vital food source for birds in winter.
Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia)
Native to North America, this shrub sports clusters of shiny red berries that persist into winter, offering both ornamental value and a food source for wildlife. The red chokeberry is relatively easy to grow, tolerating a range of soils but preferring acidic conditions, and it provides additional appeal with its vibrant fall foliage.
Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.)
Many species within this genus produce small, red berries that remain on the plant well into winter. Both evergreen and deciduous varieties exist, with some like Cotoneaster horizontalis or C. dammeri being particularly noted for their winter berry display. These shrubs are adaptable, often used for groundcover, and attract birds while also offering a naturalistic beauty in the garden.
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)
Known for its thorny branches, Hawthorn also produces red berries (haws) that hang on the tree into winter. Some varieties like ‘Winter King’ are especially noted for this feature. These shrubs or small trees prefer well-drained soil and full sun, providing not just berries but also spring flowers and autumn color.
Linden Viburnum (Viburnum dilatatum)
This shrub is adorned with dense clusters of red berries in late autumn, which persist through winter unless eaten by birds. It’s an excellent plant for wildlife, offering both food and shelter. Linden Viburnum grows well in sunny to partially shaded spots with well-drained soil, making it a versatile addition to many gardens.
American Cranberrybush (Viburnum trilobum)
Similar to its European cousin, this native North American shrub produces bright red berries that resemble cranberries, hence its name. The berries are edible after frost and can stay on the shrub into winter, providing a festive look and food for wildlife. It prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
Nandina (Nandina domestica)
Often called Heavenly Bamboo, this shrub isn’t related to bamboo but does have bamboo-like leaves and clusters of bright red berries in winter. While it can be invasive in some areas, in controlled settings, it’s prized for its year-round interest, including its red winter foliage complementing the berries. It prefers full sun to partial shade.
Holly (Ilex spp.)
While many hollies have red berries, species like the American Holly (Ilex opaca) and certain cultivars of Blue Holly (Ilex × meserveae) are particularly noted for their winter display. Holly shrubs require both male and female plants for berry production, with the glossy, evergreen foliage providing a backdrop for the bright red berries. They adapt well to various conditions, from full sun to shade, in well-drained soil.
Pyracantha (Firethorn)
This evergreen shrub is renowned for its dense clusters of red berries, which persist throughout winter, providing a spectacular display of color. Firethorn is often used for security hedges due to its thorny nature, and it thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. The berries are a magnet for birds, offering them a vital food source.
Coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus)
Also known as Indian Currant, this shrub produces small, round, red berries that cling to the branches long after the leaves have fallen, making it a standout in winter gardens. It’s hardy, tolerant of various soil types, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Its berries are less showy than some but still provide winter interest and wildlife support.
Skimmia (Skimmia japonica)
This evergreen shrub from Asia offers clusters of bright red berries in winter, but only on female plants, necessitating a male plant nearby for pollination. Skimmia prefers acidic, well-drained soil in partial to full shade, making it perfect for woodland gardens. Its foliage and berries together create a festive winter scene.
Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
While better known for its purple berries, certain varieties like ‘Profusion’ produce bright red fruits that remain into winter. Beautyberry is a deciduous shrub that likes well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It’s not only ornamental but also beneficial for wildlife, attracting birds with its berries.
Red Currant (Ribes rubrum)
This deciduous shrub produces red berries in summer, but in milder winters, some berries might persist, offering winter interest. Red currants require well-drained, fertile soil and full sun to partial shade. They are not only decorative but also provide a culinary bonus if you enjoy homemade jams or jellies.
Barberry (Berberis thunbergii ‘Atropurpurea’)
Some cultivars of barberry have red berries in winter, contrasting beautifully with the dark purple foliage of varieties like ‘Atropurpurea.’ Barberry is very hardy, adaptable to various soils, and prefers full sun to light shade. It’s an excellent choice for hedges, with the caveat that some types can be invasive.
Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus ‘Hancock’)
Although typically known for its white berries, the ‘Hancock’ cultivar produces vibrant red berries that stand out in winter. This shrub is easy to grow, preferring well-drained soil in sun or shade. It’s useful in naturalistic or wildlife gardens, offering structure and food for birds.
Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum opulus var. americanum)
Not to be confused with true cranberries, this shrub produces clusters of bright red berries that last into winter, providing a striking contrast against the snow. It prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. The berries are a source of food for birds, and the plant has beautiful fall foliage as well.
Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia)
Although often grown as a tree, this can be maintained as a multi-stemmed shrub. It’s famous for its clusters of bright red berries that persist through winter, attracting birds. Mountain Ash prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, offering not only winter berries but also beautiful autumn foliage.
Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea ‘Baileyi’)
This shrub is renowned for its vibrant red stems in winter, but it also produces small, white flowers followed by red berries. The berries turn a brighter red as winter progresses, complementing the stunning red bark. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils under full sun to partial shade, making it a favorite for winter landscapes and erosion control.
Spindle Tree (Euonymus europaeus)
Known for its unique, pink fruits that open to reveal orange seeds in autumn, some varieties or conditions can result in the fruits persisting into winter, taking on a reddish hue. This shrub prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, with its berries being a food source for birds.
Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens)
The American Bittersweet produces red berries that split open to reveal orange seeds, providing a striking winter display. It grows well in various soil types in full sun to partial shade but can be invasive, so consider using native species or non-invasive cultivars. The berries are particularly appealing to birds in winter.
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)
While primarily known for its dark purple to black cherries, some varieties or conditions can lead to a redder fruit color persisting into winter. This shrub likes full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, valued for its ecological benefits as much as its ornamental ones.
Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus stolonifera)
Similar to the Red Twig Dogwood, this variety also features bright red stems in winter and produces white flowers followed by red berries. It’s adaptable to various soil conditions but prefers moist environments, making it ideal for naturalizing along streams or in wetter parts of the garden.
Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)
Despite being considered invasive in some regions, certain cultivars of Buckthorn can produce red berries in winter. It’s adaptable to various soils and light conditions but should be used with caution or replaced with non-invasive alternatives like native species of dogwood or other berry-producing shrubs.
Siberian Dogwood (Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’)
Another member of the dogwood family, this variety has bright red stems in winter and produces small red berries. It’s particularly hardy, suitable for colder climates, and prefers full sun for the best stem color but can tolerate some shade. It’s useful for both ornamental and ecological purposes, attracting birds with its berries.