Trees and shrubs with attractive bark

In the depths of winter, the quiet charms of plants with strikingly coloured bark come into their own. Textures and stem colours attract the eye, as bright whites, yellows, pinks warm red-browns light the gloom.

Save to My scrapbook
Cornus can be coppiced annually.
Cornus can be coppiced annually.

Quick facts

A few of the brightest and best:

Jump to

Introduction

Winter interest provided by bark on trees and shrubs is an important aspect of planting up a garden, and is sometimes overlooked in favour of more flamboyant flower interest. Many of the suggestions listed here provide strong upright forms as well as striking colours. For maximum impact, plant the shrubs in groups and the trees where their bark can be seen and appreciated.

Practical considerations

Points to note:

  • Cornus (dogwood), Rubus and Salix (willow) are shrubs which need pruning each year, almost to ground level in March, to ensure that a fresh crop of the brightest-coloured stems are produced for the next winter. This is known as coppicing or stooling
  • Pollarding is suitable for Salix (willow), Eucalyptus and other species grown as small trees, and is another way of ensuring the brightest stem colour on new growth
  • While pruning these plants for winter stem interest, you can take hardwood cuttings to increase your plant stocks
  • Acers are not very obliging when it comes to pruning, so try to avoid it. An exception is Acer ‘Winter Lightning’ which can be coppiced annually
  • Grow all of these plants in full sun in deep, moist, loamy soil, avoiding shallow, chalky soils. Prepare the ground with the addition of organic matter over the planting area

Suitable plants

Trees

Shrubs or trees (depending on pruning technique)

Shrubs

Links

RHS Plant Finder

2 / 2
Rubus produces thickets of spiny white branches.
1 / 2
Birch bark can be cleaned in winter to remove algae.
2 / 2
Rubus produces thickets of spiny white branches.
1 / 2
Birch bark can be cleaned in winter to remove algae.
2 / 2
Rubus produces thickets of spiny white branches.
prev
next

Gardeners' calendar

Find out what to do this month with our gardeners' calendar

Advice from the RHS

Love gardening

Sign up to receive regular gardening tips, inspiration, offers and more

View our Privacy Policy

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.