It’s fairly easy to have a beautiful landscape in spring and summer, but you’re really showing your green thumb if come wintertime your landscape stands out on a street of leafless, dull brown sticks. “In a season where we spend more time looking out the window than being on the other side of it, winter interest plants and shrubs that we can see from our homes offer a completely different perspective of the place where we live,” says Rochelle Greayer, a landscape designer based in Harvard, Massachusetts. Choose winter shrubs like these that do well in your USDA hardiness zone, and select those that are known for their winter beauty. You’ll create a four-season landscape that brings joy to you, your neighbors, and maybe a few birds and other critters.
I’ve always found winter gardens to be a bit magical. There’s something about a pop of color or texture against a snowy backdrop that feels like a little gift from nature. When picking shrubs, I like to think about not just how they’ll look from my window but also how they’ll support local wildlife—birds especially love berry-producing plants. To get the most out of your winter shrubs, check your USDA zone (you can find maps online or at a local nursery) and match it to plants that thrive in your climate. A tip I’ve learned: mix evergreens with deciduous shrubs for contrast—it keeps the garden lively even when it’s freezing out.
1. Camellia (Camellia japonica)
Camellia has glossy green leaves and vibrant flowers that bloom throughout winter in several colors, including white, coral, pink, yellow, and red. Some extra-showy cultivars of this shade-loving plant display more than one hue. Camellia’s growing habits vary based on variety, with some resembling trees and others taking the traditional shrub form. As long as you select a winter-blooming variety of this colorful shrub, you can rely on camellia for lustrous greenery and cold-weather color for many seasons to come.
I’ve seen camellias steal the show in winter gardens, especially in shadier spots where other plants struggle. Their blooms can last for weeks, which is a real mood-lifter in dreary months. To keep them happy, plant in well-draining, acidic soil—think pH around 5.5 to 6.5. A local nursery once told me to mulch with pine needles to maintain that acidity, and it’s worked wonders for my camellias. If you’re in a colder zone, look for cold-hardy varieties like ‘Winter’s Star’ or ‘Snow Flurry.’ They’re tough and still pack that colorful punch.
2. Firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea)
If you’re looking for evergreen shrubs with color, consider pyracantha. Also known as firethorn, this plant is a low-maintenance evergreen that provides seasonal interest in the form of bright berries that, depending on variety, can be golden, red, or orange-red. It’s easy to grow, versatile, and beautiful in a hedge or as an accent shrub. Many varieties of firethorn thrive in several planting zones, so you should be able to find a number of options that suit your requirements for growth pattern and berry color.
Firethorn’s berries are a lifesaver for birds in winter, and I love how they add a festive vibe to the yard. A friend of mine trained his pyracantha against a wall for a stunning espalier effect—it’s low-effort but looks like a pro move. Be cautious with the thorns, though; they’re no joke when pruning. I’d recommend wearing gloves and planting it away from walkways. For best berry production, give it full sun and don’t overwater—pyracantha’s pretty drought-tolerant once established.
3. Beautyberry (Callicarpa spp.)
Resplendent in thick green foliage during the growing season, beautyberry is among unique colorful shrubs. It produces cascades of glossy, iridescent purple berries in fall and winter. The 3- to 5-foot shrub is a striking addition to any landscape, and beautyberry also provides life-sustaining food for birds and other wildlife. American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is hardy and drought-tolerant in Zones 7 to 11, whereas three Asian species (C. japonica, C. dichotoma, and C. bodinieri) are more cold-hardy, and can be grown in Zones 5 through 8.
Those purple berries on beautyberry are like little jewels in the winter light—I can’t get enough of them. They’re not just pretty; they’re a buffet for birds like cardinals and mockingbirds. In my experience, planting beautyberry in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade keeps the berries vibrant longer. If you’re worried about space, the Asian varieties tend to stay more compact. A quick tip: prune lightly in early spring to encourage bushier growth without sacrificing those gorgeous berries.
4. Fringe Flower (Loropetalum chinense)
Thanks to its rich burgundy foliage, fringe flower brings a unique touch of color and texture to the yard or garden, no matter the season. But the drought-tolerant plant’s main draw is its profusion of long, bright pink flowers that bloom in winter, making it among the most colorful bushes in the landscape. It instantly cheers up an otherwise bleak yard in zones 7 to 9.
Fringe flower’s burgundy leaves make it a year-round stunner, but those pink blooms in winter? Pure joy. I planted one near my patio, and it’s become a conversation starter during winter gatherings. It’s pretty low-maintenance, but I’ve found that a light feeding with a balanced fertilizer in spring boosts the flower show. If you’re in a slightly cooler area, try the ‘Purple Pixie’ variety—it’s compact and handles zone 7 winters like a champ.
5. Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
Greayer, who also founded the gardening website Pith & Vigor, is a big fan of plants that add color, such as red twig dogwood. After losing its summertime covering of white flowers and its fall crop of berries and leaves, red twig dogwood’s bright red branches remain colorful throughout winter. The plant, hardy in zones 2 through 7, provides a beautiful counterpoint to snowy landscapes, white-barked birch trees, and dark evergreens like hollies. Plant it in a moist site that gets full to partial sun.
I’m with Greayer on this one—red twig dogwood’s vivid branches are a game-changer in winter. They practically glow against snow, and I love pairing them with evergreens for contrast. A neighbor of mine planted a row along a fence, and it’s stunning all season. To keep the red color intense, prune older stems every couple of years in early spring; the newer growth is always the brightest. It loves wetter soil, so if your yard has a soggy spot, this is your plant.
6. Nandina ‘Firepower’ (Nandina domestica ‘Fire Power’)
This dwarf variety of nandina is among the prettiest colorful small shrubs you’ll find. It has a rush of brilliant flame-colored foliage that lasts throughout the cold season, which explains its “firepower” moniker. Unlike its cousin, heavenly bamboo, firepower nandina stays compact, reaching only about 2 feet by 2 feet. Its size makes it an excellent border shrub or accent in USDA zones 6 to 9, where it is fairly drought-tolerant.
Nandina ‘Firepower’ is perfect for small gardens or tight spaces—I’ve got one in a corner by my front steps, and it lights up the area all winter. Its compact size means you don’t need to fuss with heavy pruning, which is a win for lazy gardeners like me. I’ve noticed it does best with some afternoon shade in hotter climates to prevent leaf scorch. Also, keep an eye out for invasive tendencies in some areas; check with your local extension service before planting.
7. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
Ilex verticillata, commonly known as winterberry, is a deciduous holly that loses its glossy green leaves in winter, then erupts with red berries that are a feast for both the birds and the eyes. Only the female plants produce berries, so be sure you have both male and female specimens in the landscape for proper pollination. Among the most striking of the winter bushes, winterberry does well in Zones 3 through 9 in full sun or part shade.
Winterberry’s red berries are like Christmas ornaments in the garden, and the birds go nuts for them. I learned the hard way to plant one male for every five or so females to ensure good berry production—otherwise, you’re just looking at bare branches. It’s super versatile and can handle wet soils, which is great for low-lying areas. If you’re in a colder zone, try ‘Winter Red’ for reliable berries and hardiness.
8. Winterthur Viburnum (Viburnum nudum ‘Winterthur’)
Species of viburnum typically burst with foliage and fruit in the fall. The shrub’s leaves turn dark maroon, and its tightly clustered berries start off green before turning pink, red, and ultimately dark blue. Winterthur viburnum, hardy in Zones 5 to 9, is also pretty in spring, when it features dark green leaves and groupings of small off-white blooms. Many birds, including robins and bluebirds, enjoy snacking on this viburnum’s berries.
The color-changing berries of Winterthur viburnum are a treat to watch through the seasons, and I love how they draw birds to my yard. I planted mine near a window so I can enjoy the show from inside. For the best berry display, plant in full sun and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. A little spring pruning helps shape it, but don’t go overboard—it’s naturally tidy.
9. Kaleidoscope Abelia (Abelia × grandiflora ‘Kaleidoscope’)
An easy-to-maintain dwarf evergreen, Kaleidoscope abelia changes color from yellow-gold in spring to orange-red in fall, then becomes peppered with white flowers throughout winter. The shrub is hardy to -10 degrees Fahrenheit and works well as a border, accent, or container plant. Prune in early spring to encourage profuse blooming.
Kaleidoscope abelia is like a chameleon in the garden, and I’m obsessed with how it shifts colors. I’ve got one in a pot on my deck, and it’s been a low-effort star. It’s super forgiving, but I’ve found that a sunny spot really brings out the foliage colors. If you’re container-planting, make sure the pot has good drainage—soggy roots are a no-go. A light trim in spring keeps it looking sharp.
10. Oregon Grape (Mahonia spp.)
With holly-like leaves and spiking flower clusters, mahonias lend charm to the garden. There are several varieties of Mahonia available, so ask a local nursery which will do best in your area. Typically, this plant blooms in late winter with a shock of cheerful yellow flowers, and purple-blue berries add interest in the spring. Mahonia tolerates both drought and shade, making it a great choice for gardeners looking for low-maintenance, showy shrubs.
Mahonia’s spiky leaves give it a bold look, and those yellow flowers in late winter are a welcome surprise. I planted ‘Charity’ in a shady corner, and it’s thrived with almost no attention. The berries attract birds, but they’re also edible for humans—tart, but great for homemade jelly if you’re feeling adventurous. Just make sure to plant it where it gets some shade in hotter climates to avoid leaf burn.
11. Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum)
The long, arching branches of deciduous winter jasmine spring to life in late winter with abundant, bright yellow tubular blooms that appear before the leaves do. The fountain-like shrub can get to about 4 feet tall or can be trained on structures like a vine, where it will grow to 15 feet. It does well in full sun to partial shade, but will bloom less vigorously in shady environments. Winter jasmine prefers well-draining soil, and will fare well in soil that is not compost-heavy. It is hardy in Zones 6 to 9, but is not particularly drought-tolerant, so it might not be a good choice for dry areas.
Winter jasmine’s yellow blooms are like little bursts of sunshine in late winter. I trained mine over a low wall, and it’s become a neighborhood favorite. It’s not fussy, but I’ve noticed it blooms best with morning sun. If you’re in a dry area, set up a simple drip irrigation system to keep it happy—it’s worth the extra effort for those cheerful flowers. Prune after blooming to keep its shape under control.
12. Winter Daphne (Daphne odora)
This standout among the winter-blooming shrubs produces highly fragrant, pink-edged white flowers that stand out beautifully against the shrub’s large, yellow-rimmed green leaves. Plant winter daphne in part shade, in porous, well-draining soil. It doesn’t like to dry out, so make sure it gets plenty of moisture. Winter daphne can’t take very cold temperatures, and does best in Zones 7 through 9. This dense evergreen will grow to 4 feet tall and 6 feet wide in an upright, mounded form.
The fragrance of winter daphne is unreal—I can smell it from across the yard on a calm winter day. I planted mine near a patio for that reason, but I learned to be patient with it; it’s a bit slow to establish. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and avoid moving it once it’s settled—daphne hates being transplanted. If you’re in a cooler zone 7, mulch heavily to protect the roots in winter.
13. Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha)
Paperbush begins preparations for its late-winter flower display early. Silvery flower buds develop in late summer, offering attractive ornamentation throughout autumn and into winter. When the 2-inch-wide flower clusters open, they beguile with not only their silky white and yellow rounded form, but also with their fragrance. Paperbush is a deciduous shrub that grows 4 to 6 feet tall and wide in full or part sun. Hardy in Zones 7 to 10, this plant needs moist but well-draining soil. Interestingly, the plant is cultivated in Japan to make paper for banknotes, proving that money really does grow on . . . shrubs.
Paperbush’s fragrance and unique buds make it a standout in my garden. Those silvery buds look almost metallic in the fall, and the flowers’ scent carries surprisingly far. I’ve found it does best in a spot shielded from harsh afternoon sun. If you’re planting in zone 7, pick a protected spot to help it through colder snaps. A layer of organic mulch helps maintain the moist soil it loves without much fuss.
14. Pussy Willow (Salix discolor)
In late winter, pussy willow plants produce silky catkins—slim, cylindrical flower clusters—that “are a famous symbol of the changing of the seasons,” according to Aaditya Bhatta, editor and founder of Plants Craze. The catkins give the winter garden “a charming touch and a unique texture,” says Bhatta. Characterized by an attractive weeping form, this large deciduous shrub/small tree needs full sun and plenty of water. A fast-grower, pussy willow likes climates with cold winters and does well in zones 2 to 7.
Pussy willow’s fuzzy catkins are so charming—I always cut a few branches for indoor arrangements in late winter. It grows fast, which is great, but I’ve had to prune mine to keep it from taking over. Plant it in a wet area if you’ve got one; it thrives in soggy spots where other plants might struggle. If you’re in a colder zone, don’t worry—it’s tough as nails and loves a good freeze.
15. Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
In late fall through early winter, witch hazel produces clusters of fragrant flowers with papery, ribbon-shaped yellow petals. Witch hazel—from which the liniment is indeed made—can be grown as a shrub or a small tree, reaching 15 feet tall in the right conditions. Native to the woodlands of eastern North America, this one prefers average, well-draining soils with medium moisture. Plant it in full sun to part shade, but consider that it will flower best in a sunny spot. This might be a good selection for gardeners in more northern climes, as it is hardy in Zones 3 to 8.
Witch hazel’s spidery yellow flowers are so unique, and the scent is a subtle treat on crisp days. I planted one near my back door, and it’s a joy to catch that fragrance when I step outside. It’s not too picky, but I’ve noticed it blooms more heavily in full sun. If you’re in a northern zone, try ‘Arnold Promise’ for extra cold hardiness and a bigger flower show.
16. Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick (Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’)
This woody shrub looks as odd as its name. Its gnarly, twisted branches—burdened in late winter with masses of yellow catkins—offer intrigue and interest from the moment they shed their leaves. This plant “is an absolute stunner in the winter landscape, especially when coated with a film of ice or snow,” says Lorraine Ballato, an advanced master gardener based in Brookfield, Connecticut. Harry Lauder’s walking stick does well in full sun to part shade and likes moist, loamy soil that’s a bit on the acidic side. It’s hardy in Zones 4 through 8.
Harry Lauder’s walking stick is the quirkiest shrub in my garden—those twisted branches look like something out of a fantasy novel. It’s especially striking when dusted with snow, just like Ballato says. I’ve found it’s happiest in slightly acidic soil, so I add a bit of composted pine bark to the planting hole. Prune sparingly to maintain its wild shape; over-trimming can ruin its charm.
