Fall Shrubs with Berries

One of the most attractive parts of fall is the berries that appear on shrubs. Fall shrubs with berries add interest to the landscape as well as food for the many birds that are still around before migrating south (or north). Some of the shrubs also have attractive flowers in the spring so that you get two seasons of enjoyment from them. Viburnums also have a bright red leaf in the fall as well a fall berries!

One of my favorite fall shrubs with berries is Callicarpa (Callicarpa americana) which is also known as Beautiberry. Although this shrub is not covered in flowers in the spring or summer, it does have a pleasing open form with branches that gracefully arch. Callicarpa grows best in light shade, such as under the canopy of deciduous trees, and likes a well drained soil. The prime attraction though of this small shrub is the berries which appear just before the leaves drop in the fall, and remain on the stem well after the leaves drop, and into winter. The numerous small berries are lined up on side shoots from the main branch and vary from iridescent purple to purple/pink shades. If the side branches are still full of berries in late November, they can be picked and put into seasonal wreaths for added color. The berries also hold their color well when dried.

There are numerous Viburnums (Viburnum spp.) on the market that range from native ones to those bred for attractive spring flowers and fall berries. The highly scented flowers on Burkwoodii are particularly attractive, appearing early in the spring. Viburnum carlesii is also highly scented. Viburnums, in general, are hardy shrubs that will perform well from zone 4b through zone 8 and grow in a variety of conditions. The native Viburnums are found as understory shrubs, so that is the prime location for best growth, but they will do well in a sunny northern order as well a shady southern one. Viburnums produce bright red leaves in the fall and make a great substitute for the maligned Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) and dark berries that are enjoyed by birds.

A third shrub that is very attractive in the fall is the Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa). This relative newcomer to the nursery trade is, like the Viburnums, attractive for far more than just one season. The stunning late spring flowers on this small tree are produced throughout the summer along with a large, red, edible fruit. Kousa dogwoods are again an understory tree, but do perform well in full sun and make a stunning statement tree for a formal front garden. Unlike many native dogwood varieties, Kousas do not usually suffer from anthracnose disease which causes death when the tree is infected.

All these shrubs have qualities that make them appealing and suitable for many home landscapes, but their outstanding quality is that they are all wonderful fall shrubs with berries that add color to the late season garden.