Attractive Evergreen Shrubs and Trees with Red Fruits and Berries
Fall Garden, Winter Garden, Late Season Garden
Winters may be long and cold, but your garden can allay that dreariness and be transformed into a place of natural beauty with visually arresting textures or colors. Some trees and shrubs display fiery red berries in late summer or fall, which persist into winter. In a glorious display of crimson, scarlet, or vermilion, their branches are studded with jeweled clusters of berries. Every garden should contain an ornamental shrub or tree with hanging clusters of berries. Pleasing to the eyes, the fruits of some species are also a great source of food for the birds.
Here is a list of evergreen shrubs and trees that will help you create beautiful fall-to-winter scenes and let you enjoy the end of the season in a beautiful new way. All these plants are easy to grow, versatile, and of great appeal in other seasons too, with their attractive flowers or lush summer foliage.
Favorite Shrubs and Trees with Red Fruits and Berries in Fall and Winter
Arbutus unedo (Strawberry Tree)
Arbutus unedo (Strawberry Tree) is a charming, broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree with four-season ornamental interest. From fall to midwinter, a profusion of drooping clusters of fragrant, bell-shaped, white flowers hang at the tip of the branches. Pollinated by bees, the round fruits appear in winter and gradually ripen to yellow to red in twelve months. They are often in color when the new attractive flowers begin to bloom in fall. Equally interesting is the gray-brown bark on mature trunks and branches, which peels and flakes to reveal an attractive cinnamon-colored inner bark.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 7 - 10 |
---|---|
Exposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
Height | 6' - 15' (180cm - 4.5m) |
Spread | 6' - 15' (180cm - 4.5m) |
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry)
Extremely winter hardy, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry) is a slow-growing, creeping, evergreen shrub with trailing red stems studded with small, leathery, glossy, obovate, dark green leaves, up to 1 in. long (2.5 cm). The foliage turns red or purple in winter before becoming green again in spring. Pretty clusters of lantern-shaped, white-to-pink flowers hang gracefully from the short red stems in mid to late spring. They last several weeks and are followed by edible, smooth, and glossy berries which ripen to bright red in the fall.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 2 - 6 |
---|---|
Exposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
Height | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm) |
Aucuba japonica (Spotted Laurel)
Perfect for shady gardens, Aucuba japonica (Spotted Laurel) is a dense, upright, rounded, evergreen shrub prized for its lush foliage of leathery, glossy, rich green leaves mottled with golden yellow. In early to mid-spring, small purple flowers, adorned with creamy white anthers, appear from the leaf axils (female plants) or in terminal panicles (male plants). When pollinated, the female blooms give way to ornamental, glossy, bright red berries that ripen in fall and often persist until spring.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 6 - 10 |
---|---|
Exposure | Partial Sun , Shade |
Height | 6' - 10' (180cm - 3m) |
Spread | 5' - 9' (150cm - 270cm) |
Berberis koreana (Korean Barberry)
Extremely hardy, Berberis koreana (Korean Barberry) is a fabulous addition to the landscape thanks to its four seasons of interest. In mid-spring, this small, multi-stemmed, semi-evergreen shrub produces striking pendulous clusters of golden-yellow flowers. They are followed by an abundance of egg-shaped, bright red berries, which often persist well into winter. The summer foliage of elliptical, medium green leaves, turns dramatic maroon to deep purple shades in the fall.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 3 - 7 |
---|---|
Exposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
Height | 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm) |
Cornus capitata (Evergreen Dogwood)
Prized for its lovely flowers and brightly colored fruit, Cornus capitata (Evergreen Dogwood) is a bushy evergreen tree or shrub of spreading habit, forming a low canopy of ovate, leathery, dark green leaves, that may take on purplish and reddish shades in fall. In early to midsummer, showy creamy-white, petal-like bracts surrounding insignificant, true flowers are on display, contrasting nicely with the evergreen foliage. Grabbing attention, they are followed by clusters of fleshy, strawberry-like, red berries in fall. Ornamentally attractive, they are also edible and hungry birds feast on them. A great choice for mild coastal areas.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 8 - 9 |
---|---|
Exposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
Height | 20' - 40' (6m - 12m) |
Spread | 20' - 40' (6m - 12m) |
Cotoneaster dammeri (Bearberry Cotoneaster)
Cotoneaster dammeri (Bearberry Cotoneaster) is a vigorous, dense, evergreen shrub with trailing stems studded with small, leathery, glossy, rounded, dark green leaves. The foliage turns reddish-bronze or purplish in winter before becoming green again in spring. Small, 5-petaled, white flowers adorned with purple anthers are produced in late spring to early summer. They are followed by brilliant berries which ripen to bright red in the fall and persist through winter unless devoured by hungry birds or animals.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 5 - 8 |
---|---|
Exposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
Height | 9" - 1' (22cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm) |
Ilex 'Red Beauty' (Holly)
Vigorous and well-branched, Ilex 'Red Beauty' is a compact, upright, evergreen shrub of pyramidal habit with excellent year-round interest. When pollinated by a male blue holly, it produces a profusion of attractive bright red berries from fall into winter. Extremely showy, they enliven the winter landscape and attract birds. The shiny foliage of small, spiny leaves remains dark green throughout the winter. 'Red Beauty' is a female plant and needs a male pollinator to produce attractive red berries, such as 'Blue Prince', 'Blue Boy', or 'Blue Stallion' (any male blue holly - Ilex × meserveae). Ideal for hedges, foundation plantings, or even as a dramatic specimen, this is an outstanding plant for the winter landscape.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 6 - 10 |
---|---|
Exposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
Height | 6' - 10' (180cm - 3m) |
Spread | 4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm) |
Ilex x meserveae 'Blue Princess' (Blue Holly)
One of the most popular female hybrid holly selections, Ilex x meserveae 'Blue Princess' is a bushy, spreading, broadleaf evergreen shrub with excellent year-round interest. It produces abundant small white flowers in spring that give way to a profusion of attractive bright red berries in fall. Extremely showy, they enliven the winter landscape and persist throughout winter. This holly variety also offers dark purple stems and glossy, dark blue-green, spiny-toothed leaves.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 4 - 9 |
---|---|
Exposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
Height | 10' - 15' (3m - 4.5m) |
Spread | 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m) |
Ilex x meserveae Castle Spire® (Blue Holly)
Vigorous and well-branched, Ilex x meserveae Castle Spire® is a compact, upright, evergreen shrub of pyramidal habit with excellent year-round interest. It produces small white flowers in spring that give way to a profusion of attractive bright red berries in fall. Extremely showy, they enliven the winter landscape and persist throughout winter. The shiny foliage of small, oval, serrated leaves remains dark green throughout the winter. Castle Spire® is a female plant and needs a male pollinator to produce attractive red berries, such as Castle Wall®. Ideal for hedges, foundation plantings, or even as a dramatic specimen, this is an outstanding plant for the winter landscape.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 5 - 7 |
---|---|
Exposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
Height | 6' - 10' (180cm - 3m) |
Spread | 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
Nandina domestica (Heavenly Bamboo)
Noted for its red berries and excellent foliage color, Nandina domestica (Heavenly Bamboo) is a small, evergreen, or semi-evergreen shrub adding multi-season interest to the garden. In spring, a profusion of tiny, white flowers adorned with golden anthers appear in long arching panicles at the tips of the branches. Rich in nectar, they attract bees and other pollinators. The flowers are followed by abundant clusters of green berries which ripen to bright red and persist throughout fall and winter. Ornamental, they are held against the lacy foliage which emerges purple, matures to soft green, and turns purple to reddish-purple in fall. Popular in the landscape, Heavenly Bamboo is one of the toughest and most adaptable plants, its berry-laden branches providing a pleasing vertical accent.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 6 - 9 |
---|---|
Exposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
Height | 4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm) |
Spread | 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm) |
Pyracantha coccinea 'Red Cushion' (Scarlet Firethorn)
Noted for its disease resistance, Pyracantha coccinea ‘Red Cushion’ (Scarlet Firethorn) is a thorny, evergreen shrub of compact and tidy habit with glossy, oval, dark green leaves. From late spring to early summer, a profusion of white flowers held in dense clusters cover the spiny branches and contrast nicely against the dark green foliage. They are followed by masses of shiny berries that ripen to bright red in fall and persist well into winter. Hungry birds feast on them. Versatile, this Scarlet Firethorn cultivar is perfect for use as an impenetrable hedge or screen or in shrub borders. It can also be grown against a wall or fence.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 6 - 9 |
---|---|
Exposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
Height | 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
Spread | 3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm) |
Pyracantha koidzumii 'Victory' (Formosa Firethorn)
Noted for its heat and drought resistance, Pyracantha koidzumii 'Victory' (Formosa Firethorn) is a thorny, evergreen shrub of spreading habit with glossy, oval, dark green leaves that emerge bronze. In late spring to early summer, a profusion of white flowers held in dense clusters cover the arching branches, and contrast nicely against the dark green foliage. They are followed by masses of large, shiny berries that ripen to bright red in fall, and persist well into winter. Versatile, this Formosa Firethorn cultivar is best planted as a specimen or as an impenetrable hedge.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 7 - 9 |
---|---|
Exposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
Height | 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m) |
Spread | 6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm) |
Skimmia japonica (Japanese Skimmia)
Perfect for shady gardens, Skimmia japonica (Japanese Skimmia) is a lovely, dense, mounded, evergreen shrub prized for its fragrant flowers, aromatic leaves, and showy fruits. In mid-spring, large clusters of fragrant, star-shaped, creamy white flowers, occasionally tinged pink, appear at the branch tips. The pretty blooms of female plants give way to ornamental, glossy, bright red berries that ripen in fall and persist through winter. They contrast beautifully with the evergreen foliage of leathery, lance-shaped, rich green leaves, which are clustered in whorls at the branch ends. When crushed, the aromatic leaves exude a pleasant scent.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 6 - 8 |
---|---|
Exposure | Partial Sun , Shade |
Height | 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
Spread | 4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm) |
Ugni molinae (Chilean Guava)
Ugni molinae (Chilean Guava) is a lovely, bushy evergreen shrub of upright habit with four-season ornamental interest. In spring, exquisitely fragrant, bell-shaped, pale pink and white flowers hang in profusion. Slowly through the summer, they are followed by sweet and delicious, dark red berries, 1/2 in. across (1 cm), which are fabulous eaten either raw or cooked. Equally handsome is the lush foliage of glossy and leathery dark green leaves, adorned with occasional seasonal flushes of red-purple. As the scent of Chilean Guava is intoxicating, grow this terrific plant where you can enjoy its wonderful fragrance and pick its sweet fruits!
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 9 - 10 |
---|---|
Exposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
Height | 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm) |
You may want to review these guides to embellish your winter garden
Red berries look cheerful on a winter day, sparkling in the sun or highlighted with a dusting of snow. Some trees and shrubs display beautiful fruits in late summer or fall, which persist into winter and attract hungry birds. In a glorious display of crimson, scarlet, or vermilion, their attractive berries adorn their branches in eye-catching bouquets, which gleam like jewels in the soft sunlight. They make a terrific addition to any outdoor and indoor setting.
When embroidered with their brilliant berries, some shrubs and trees produce a more colorful display in the late season garden, than in spring and summer with their own flowers. Loaded with fruit for weeks, they create a spectacular show that pleases the eye, and the birds too. Aside from the classic red berries or the vibrant purple ones, some bushes and trees display glowing orange fruits, when color is desperately needed in the garden.
Grabbing our attention with the unusual color of their berries, some trees and shrubs create a spectacular show of intense purple fruits in late summer or fall, when few other flowering shrubs offer color. In a terrific display of violet or amethyst, their attractive berries adorn their branches and become the highlight of the winter landscape.
As some plants owe their charm to spectacular flowers, handsome leaves or colorful fruits, others are valued for their quiet beauty, peeping out here and there in the fall and winter garden. White-berried plants fall into this last category. Adding ornamental interest to the late season garden, most will remain into the winter, providing gardeners, birds and wildlife with holiday cheer.
Winters may be long and cold, but your garden can allay that dreariness and be transformed into a place of natural beauty with visually arresting textures, colors, fragrances, and flowers. To create such a beautiful winter scene, you need to make sure you select the right plants.
While the flowerheads of late-season grasses are stunning in the fall, they continue to sparkle in winter. When frost catches their plumes and spikes and the sun glints through them, you will get great pleasure.
Most people celebrate daffodils as the harbingers of spring, without being aware that many other plants flower much earlier
Bark becomes an important ornamental element in winter when the shedding of leaves exposes trunks and branches and reveals its glory.
Here is a list of shrubs and trees that will help you create beautiful winter scenes and let you enjoy the winter season in a beautiful new way. All these plants are cold-hardy, versatile, fast-growing, and of great appeal in other seasons too
Guide Information
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
---|---|
Plant Family | Cotoneaster, Ilex - Hollies, Pyracantha - Firethorns |
Season of Interest |
Fall Winter |
Maintenance | Low |
Characteristics | Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
akhug / 123RF Stock Photo
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Guide Information
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
---|---|
Plant Family | Cotoneaster, Ilex - Hollies, Pyracantha - Firethorns |
Season of Interest |
Fall Winter |
Maintenance | Low |
Characteristics | Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Related Items
Shrubs and Trees with Colorful Fruits and Berries in Winter
Some trees and shrubs display beautiful fruits in late...
A Colorful Summer Border Idea with Hibiscus and Grasses
Get inspired by this colorful garden idea noted for its...
A Four-Season Border with Evergreen Conifers and Japanese Maples
While a single Japanese maple can provide a striking focal...
A Charming Plant Combination for Shady Gardens: Hydrangea, Japanese Maple and Boxwood
Easy on the eyes, this simple and elegant plant combination...
A Singing Mediterranean Pathway
This beautiful flagstone pathway is planted with a palette...
An Elegant Summer Garden Idea with Hydrangea, Rose and Astilbe
Rich in texture and interest, this elegant summer garden...
An Easy Care Mediterranean Garden Idea
Looking good all year long, this Mediterranean garden...
A Lovely Spring Border Idea with Japanese Maples and Flowering Cherry Trees
This colorful garden scene is to be enjoyed over 3 seasons...
A Beautiful Fall Border Idea with Asters, Verbena and Grasses
Summer might be over, but the gardening season is not as...
A Summer Border Idea with Hibiscus and Roses
Get inspired by this colorful garden idea noted for its...
A Fragrant Garden Retreat With Roses
Dreaming of a resting spot where you could surround...
A Wonderful Summer Border Idea with Easy-to-Grow Plants
If you are looking for a low care and long-lasting summer...