Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Berry Producing Shrubs Color in the Landscape
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| Berry Producing Shrubs |
There are a variety of wonderful berry producing shrubs that can add color and interest to the landscape. Some of these shrubs include Nandina domestica (Heavenly Bamboo), Ilex Nellie R. Stevens (Nellie Stevens Holly), Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon Grape Holly), Barberry Rosy Glow (Rosy Glow Barberry), Ilex verticillata (Winterberry) and Callicarpa Americana (Beauty Bush). All of these shrubs add color and interest to the landscape throughout the different seasons and are an important food source for birds as well.
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| Callicarpa Americana (Beauty Bush) |
Callicarpa Americana or Beauty Bush is known for its beautiful purple berries produced in fall on open cascading branches. It is a native to North America and is enjoyed by many as an addition to the natural garden. This plant is deciduous, is hardy to USDA zones 7-10 and does best in full sun to partial shade.
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| Nandina domestica (Heavenly Bamboo) |
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| Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon Grape Holly) |
Another interesting plant is Mahonia aquifolium or Oregon Grape Holly. Known for its purple-blue grape-like berries in summer preceded by yellow blooms in spring it makes a nice addition to the natural garden. Mahonia is a bold broadleaf evergreen shrub with deep green summer foliage and deep burgundy-bronze winter foliage. It has a holly appearance but is related to the barberry. Mahonia grows to 3-6 feet tall and wide and is hardy to USDA Zone 5.
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| Ilex Nellie R. Stevens (Nellie Stevens Holly) |
If you are looking for more of a privacy screening then Ilex Nellie Stevens or Nellie Stevens Holly may be the plant for you. This holly has a showy dark green glossy foliage and produces bright red berries throughout fall and winter. Ilex Nellie Stevens grows to 15-25 in height by approximately 10 feet in width and is hardy to USDA Zone 6. It prefers to be grown in full to partial sun with afternoon shade and keeps its beautiful deep green foliage throughout the winter.
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| Barberris Rosy Glow (Rosy Glow Barberry) in Winter |
Barberris thunbergii Rosy Glow (Rosy Glow Barberry) is a deciduous berry producing shrub growing 2-3 feet tall that exhibits bright burgundy foliage throughout the entire summer followed by bright red berries throughout winter that are a favorite food for your winter bird friends. The initial foliage of this plant is a purplish color mottled with pink to red splotches that matures into a deep burgundy followed by insignificant yellow flowers and red berries. There are many forms of barberry including Barberris Royal Burgundy, a smaller version growing 1-2 feet in height and a personal favorite! Barberry is hardy in USDA Zones 4-8 and prefers to be grown in full sun.
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| Ilex verticillata (Winterberry) |
Ilex verticillata or Winterberry is native to the eastern portion of North America and southeastern portion of Canada and is hardy in zones USDA 3-9. It is one of the deciduous forms of holly growing 5-15 feet tall, preferring partial shade and moist conditions. The attractive red fruits of winterberry are a food source to many small mammals and more than 48 species of birds. It is commonly used in landscaping in its native northeastern location and provides nice winter interest. Winterberry is not self pollinating so its does require one male plant per group of females in order for the females to produce their vibrant berries.
Color and interest can be achieved in the landscape throughout the entire year. Try incorporating any of these berry-producing plants into your garden and enjoy the benefits they have to offer. You will experience vibrant color in your landscape and all season interest while providing a natural food source for your feathered visitors!
Do you have a favorite berry-producing plant in your garden? If so what is the name of the plant, what area or zone is it hardy in and give a brief description of its attributes. Thanks in advance for sharing. Happy gardening!
Author: Lee @A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2011. All Rights Reserved.
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