Winter is often seen as a time for gardeners to rest—but that doesn’t mean outdoor spaces lose their appeal. On the contrary, this is when certain plants, even without leaves, continue to catch the eye.
So, which trees and shrubs still provide visual interest during the dormant season?
Rest easy, gardeners! Their beauty carries through the fourth season without requiring extra effort. The key to a successful winter garden? Start by choosing plants that are hardy in your region. This way, they won’t need winter protection—which, let’s be honest, isn’t always the most attractive.
Then, combine a variety of species with distinctive winter features. Here are some of our top picks.
The Most Attractive Trees and Shrubs in Winter in Eastern Canada
Winter is the perfect time to slow down and observe. Every part of a plant can add visual interest: bark, branches, seed heads, and fruit.
Decorative Trunks and Branches
Birches
The bark of yellow birch and paper birch is one of their most striking features. In Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera), the ivory-white trunk contrasts beautifully with snow-covered landscapes.
Its bark peels in thin horizontal layers, creating rich textures and subtle reflections that shift with the light.
Did you know that birch can be tapped at the end of winter, much like maple? The sap is less sweet, but still usable.
Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
This shrub is a winter favourite thanks to its bright red stems, revealed after leaf drop.
Against snow, its colour creates a striking contrast.
Tip: prune older stems in early spring to encourage new growth with more vibrant colour.
Trees and Shrubs with Decorative Fruits
Many trees and shrubs retain their fruit well into winter, adding colour and feeding wildlife.
You can also cut branches to create seasonal indoor arrangements.
Crabapples
Some varieties, such as Malus ‘Radian’, hold their fruit through winter.
Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)
Bright orange berries remain on the branches, catching the light and brightening winter landscapes.
Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)
A standout native shrub. While subtle in summer, it shines in fall and winter with its bright red berries.
Only female plants produce berries, so both male and female plants are needed for fruiting.
Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)
Its glossy black berries, often held in clusters, add subtle contrast in winter landscapes.
Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus)
The bright white berries bring a soft, airy feel to winter plantings.
Conifers in Eastern Canada
Conifers are essential in winter landscapes. Their evergreen foliage provides structure, colour, and texture.
Here are a few standout species:
Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea)
Its pyramidal shape and deep green needles add structure and elegance.
Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana)
Its irregular form and reddish bark bring texture to natural landscapes.
Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)
Its blue foliage stands out beautifully against snow.
Cedar (Thuja spp.)
Dense and evergreen, cedars provide year-round structure, especially in hedges.
Red Pine (Pinus resinosa)
Its reddish trunk and long needles contrast nicely with snow.
Evergreen Shrubs in Eastern Canada
Some shrubs retain their foliage through winter, including hollies and rhododendrons.
Blue Holly (Ilex x meserveae)
With glossy leaves and bright berries, it adds strong visual interest.
Note: this species is less hardy and should be planted in a sheltered location with fall mulch protection.
Rhododendrons and Labrador Tea
These evergreen shrubs provide structure year-round.
Labrador tea, a native species, develops a distinctive bronze tone in winter.
Ornamental Grasses
Grasses such as calamagrostis and miscanthus add movement, texture, and lightness.
Their dried plumes, often covered in frost, create elegant winter silhouettes.
Creating a Winter Branch Arrangement
Looking to bring a touch of nature indoors? Winter branches offer endless possibilities.
Use conifers, dogwoods, or birches as a base, then add berries, cones, or dried fruits.
These arrangements are long-lasting and capture the quiet beauty of winter.
To create your arrangement, follow the same approach as for fresh flowers. Cut stems at an angle and place them in lukewarm water.
Keep arrangements away from heat sources to extend their lifespan.
Many other species deserve attention—willows, alders, larches, or maples with swelling buds. Let nature inspire you.
For inspiration, watch our short video on creating a natural winter arrangement.
Article co-written by Suzanne Simard and Audrey Rondeau.
Header image by Freepik
References
Larry Hodgson (2011). Hollies in winter.
