Autumn shrubs with lovely berries
If your perennials are on their last legs, refresh your garden or outside space with berry laden shrubs that will give colour over the autumn and well into winter
It's easy in spring to go to the garden centre to load up on trays of pansies and geraniums, but when autumn comes around the garden can be looking a bit bereft of colour. Fear not, think shrubs instead, because there are plenty which offer gorgeous colourful berries which act as bird food too. Pictured above: callicarpa shrub produces clusters of pretty purple berries
Head to your nearest garden centre and load up on berry-laden shrubs.
Skimmia: an evergreen shrub that adds a touch of elegance to any garden, even in the middle and winter. It produces clusters of fragrant flowers in spring, followed by vibrant red or white berries that persist throughout the autumn and winter months. Skimmia is ideal for shady spots and can be grown in containers or as a hedge. They are low-maintenance and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions, so ideal for a beginner gardener.
Callicarpa: commonly known as beautyberry, this deciduous shrub that boasts an exceptional display of berries in autumn. After its leaves drop, it reveals clusters of small, vibrant purple berries that can last for several months. Beautyberries are a favourite of birds and other wildlife, but they are also a stunning addition to any garden. They are easy to care for and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions.
Cotinus: also known as the smoke tree, this deciduous shrub that produces fluffy plumes of flowers in spring and summer. These flowers are followed by clusters of small, papery fruits that can be red, pink, or purple in the autumn months. Cotinus gets its name from the way its fruits resemble wisps of smoke. A low-maintenance drought-tolerant plant, it can grow in a variety of soil conditions.
Pyracantha: commonly known as firethorn, this spiky evergreen shrub produces clusters of small,white flowers in spring, followed by masses of vibrant red, orange, or yellow berries in autumn. Pyracanthas are popular for their dense, thorny growth habit, which makes them ideal for hedges and privacy plantings. They are also a favourite of birds and other wildlife when winter food is sparse. Pyracanthas are relatively low maintenance but require regular pruning to maintain their shape. And wear gloves when you're dealing with it!
Gaultheria: Gaultheria, commonly known as wintergreen, is a low-growing evergreen shrub that produces clusters of bright red berries that add interest throughout the winter. The berries are edible and have a sweet, minty flavour. They are also used to make wintergreen oil, which is used in a variety of products, including toothpaste and mouthwash. Wintergreen is a low-maintenance plant that is ideal for ground covers and rock gardens.
Viburnum davidii: commonly known as David's viburnum, this evergreen shrub produces bright blue berries that last through winter. David's viburnum is a popular choice because of its attractive foliage and showy berries. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Viburnum opulus: also known as snowball bush, this deciduous shrub produces large, red berries in autumn which birds and other wildlife love to feed on. They're used to make jams and jellies. Again, it's a relatively low-maintenance plant.
English holly (Ilex aquifolium): synonymous with Christmas, holly is a classic evergreen shrub or small tree known for its dark green leaves with sharp spines and bright red berries. English holly is super durable and grows in a variety of conditions. Fairly slow-growing, but English holly can live for centuries.
