Berrying trees and shrubs add jewel-like colour to the garden, as well as attracting birds. Barnsdale Gardens in Rutland is a good place to see berry-bearing shrubs, and perhaps choose one for your own garden. Here, owner Nick Hamilton selects six of his favourites.
Ilex aquifolium and its cultivars
With their glossy, dark green leaves and bright red berries, these handsome plants give interest all year round. They are excellent for flower arranging and, of course, the Christmas decor. Note that you need male and female plants for berries.
Cotoneaster frigidus 'Cornubia'
Rounded and compact in growth, this can be grown as a large shrub or small tree. The large trusses of bright red fruits last very well in the cold - if the birds don't get to them first.
Clerodendrum trichotomum var. fargesii
A vigorous suckering shrub with fantastic blue berries backed by bright red, fleshy sepals. A real stunner!
Sorbus vilmorinii
This beautiful rowan is ideal for a small garden. It's lovely to have the different coloured fruits on the tree together as they mature from rose-red through pink to almost white.
Viburnum davidii
Viburnum davidii will grow anywhere. The metallic blue fruits really stand out and look fantastic when frosted. You will need a male and female in close proximity to guarantee fruits.
Pyracantha 'Teton'
Pyracantha 'Teton' can be grown free-standing or as a wall shrub, and is useful for awkward garden positions. The showy yellow-orange berries are lovely.
Barnsdale Gardens is an RHS Recommended Garden offering free entry to RHS members throughout the year.