Winter can be a little lacking in color. Sure we still might
have some fall leaf color hanging on, but unless you plant winter
bedding plants, your garden is probably a little amiss in the color
department. Which bring us to berries. There’s nothing quite like
brightly colored berries to brighten a winter’s day.
Winter can be a little lacking in color. Sure we still might have some fall leaf color hanging on, but unless you plant winter bedding plants, your garden is probably a little amiss in the color department. Which bring us to berries. There’s nothing quite like brightly colored berries to brighten a winter’s day.
I know I planted a pyracantha just to brighten cold winter days. Most of you probably are familiar with pyracantha. It’s a somewhat thorny bush that usually isn’t much to look at. That is until this time of year, when bright orangish-red berries just cover the vine-like bush. These are the berries that birds love to eat and then fly rather crazily as they get slightly intoxicated on whatever ingredient is in the berries. Pyracantha is easily grown and can be planted anywhere in the garden. Just remember that it does have thorns and tends to spread. Usually against a fence or in the back of the border is best.
Of course, this being the holiday season, we can’t forget about hollies (Ilex). Hollies are a personal favorite, as I love the deep green, thorny leaves that cover the plants all year long. The color and shape of leaves provide year-round contrast and interest to the garden. This time of year, many hollies bear bright red berries. Branches can be cut and brought inside for indoor decoration.
Be aware that most hollies require a pollinizer or, specifically, a male and female plant. One male holly can pollinate several females as long as they are planted somewhat close by. There are a few hollies that are self-pollinating, meaning you only have to plant one to get berries. Check your nursery, but I know the English holly called “San Gabriel” is one variety. Also there are some hollies with variegated leaves. Look for varieties with green or white foliage or green and yellow, too.
Most hollies can be grown in sun or shade but may prefer a little shade in our hotter area. They are grown easily, but do prefer a slightly acid garden soil with good drainage. Periodicallly, mix in acid fertilizer – the type you would feed azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons. You also can make your soil acid by adding aluminum sulphate (not sulphate of ammonia). Even used coffee grounds will help soil become more acid.
A real easy berry plant this time of year are roses. If you’re a lazy gardener, you’ll get plenty of bright orange or red rose hips. Rose hips are the berries that old flowers eventually turn into if you don’t cut them off. Finally, you’re rewarded for being lazy! Anyway, rose hips will form abundantly on roses, but, unfortunately, are usually quite small in size. They are, however, packed with vitamin C, so are good for you as well as the birds.
Other plants that bear winter berries include Oregon grape (mahonia), bayberry and many types of common viburnums.
