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  • Honey Maid Holly

    Ilex x meserveae 'Honey Maid'

    Regular price $9158
  • Tilt - A - Swirl® Hydrangea

    Hydrangea macrophylla 'QUFU'

    (507)
    Regular price $6996
  • Winterscape Chilly Willy™ Japanese Holly

    Ilex Crenata Winterscape 'Chilly Willy'

    Regular price $8541
  • Red Gnome Dogwood

    Cornus alba 'Regnzam'

    (2)
    Regular price $8458
  • Rock - N - Roll™ Hydrangea

    Hydrangea macrophylla 'COF HM3'

    (507)
    Regular price $8808
  • Gem Box® Inkberry Holly

    Ilex glabra 'SMNIGAB17'

    Preorder
    Regular price From $2659
  • Buttonbush

    Cephalanthus occidentalis

    Preorder
    Regular price $5632
  • Eternal Fragrance Daphne

    Daphne x transatlantica 'BLAFRA'

    Preorder
    Regular price $8558
  • American Holly Tree

    Ilex opaca

    Preorder
    (22)
    Regular price $12870
  • Frost Proof Gardenia

    Gardenia jasminoides 'Frostproof'

    Preorder
    (34)
    Regular price $2696
  • Let's Dance® Blue Jangles® Reblooming Hydrangea

    Hydrangea macrophylla LET'S DANCE 'SMHMTAU'

    Sold out
    (507)
    Regular price $2614
  • Brandywine™ Viburnum

    Viburnum nudum 'Bulk'

    Preorder
    (11)
    Regular price $2614
  • Fragrant Tea Olive Sweet Osmanthus

    Osmanthus fragrans

    Preorder
    (2)
    Regular price $6727
  • Fragrant Sweet Box

    Sarcococca ruscifolia

    Preorder
    Regular price $4029
  • Dwarf Gardenia Radicans

    Gardenia jasminoides 'Radicans'

    Preorder
    (6)
    Regular price $2668
  • Gold Splash® Wintercreeper Euonymus

    Euonymus fortunei 'Gold Splash'

    Preorder
    (4)
    Regular price From $2373
  • Pearl Glam® Beautyberry

    Callicarpa x 'NCCX2'

    Preorder
    (2)
    Regular price $2614
  • Funshine® Abelia

    Abelia x grandiflora 'Minacara1'

    Preorder
    Regular price $2614
  • Red Yucca

    Hesperaloe parviflora

    Preorder
    (1)
    Regular price $2415
  • Bay Laurel

    Laurus nobilis

    Preorder
    (7)
    Regular price $4562
  • August Beauty Gardenia

    Gardenia jasminoides 'August Beauty'

    Preorder
    (6)
    Regular price $2670
  • Hino Crimson Kurume Azalea

    Rhododendron kurume X 'Hino-Crimson'

    Preorder
    (12)
    Regular price $4120
  • Soft Touch Japanese Holly

    Ilex crenata 'Soft Touch'

    Preorder
    (2)
    Regular price $2967
  • Coral Beauty Cotoneaster

    Cotoneaster dammeri 'Coral Beauty'

    Preorder
    Regular price $3989
  • Sister Rosie™ Scotch Broom

    Cytisus scoparius 'SMNSCDRY'

    Preorder
    Regular price $2614
  • North Star® Boxwood

    Buxus sempervirens 'Katerberg'

    Preorder
    (6)
    Regular price $2614
  • Red Tip Photinia

    Photinia x fraseri

    Preorder
    (1)
    Regular price $3996
  • Sweet & Lo™ Sweet Box

    Sarcococca hookeriana 'Purplerij1'

    New arrival
    Preorder
    Regular price From $2614
  • Linebacker™ Distylium

    DISTYLIUM 'PIIDIST-IV'

    Sold out
    Regular price $9907
  • Castle Spire® Blue Holly

    Ilex x meserveae 'Hachfee'

    Preorder
    (10)
    Regular price From $2614

Winter Interest Bushes

What Are Winter Interest Shrubs?

Boxwood Bush

The definition of a Winter Interest Shrub is simple. This category comprises a variety of shrubs and bushes that attract attention during the winter in colder climates.

These deciduous plants shed their leaves as temps drop, but that doesn’t mean they’ll blend into the drab winter landscape of gray and brown trunks and branches. Even though these plants may blend into the landscape when everything else is lush and green, they display a striking or unique form that catches the eye when your other plants await spring’s awakening.

Bushes & Shrubs with Standout Winter Style

The shrubs we like for winter interest may have irregular branching or colorful stems, such as the red twigged dogwood (Cornus) family. Burning bush shrubs (Euonymus altus) create an architectural appeal as the wings or ridges surround the stems in a vividly textured display. Evergreen shrubs are specifically planted in landscapes to provide a relief from winter’s endless expanse of gray and white. The various greens, blues and other shades of the evergreen foliage stand out in the cold and keep your yard from being just another colorless location.

One of the most widely used winter interest bushes that makes an impression is the holly (Ilex) group. We carry several types of holly bushes, and each exhibits bright shiny green leaves and contrasting red berries in a variety of shapes and sizes to decorate any cold-weather scene. Junipers are another good choice for enlivening your winter garden, as some may change shades or colors in various seasons. They are available in a wide range of sizes and plant forms as well. If you want your landscape to glow during all seasons, try the flowering evergreen rhododendron plants. You can improve the aesthetic appearance of a lifeless, gray-brown area with our variety of winter interest shrubs!

Four Seasons of Life at Nature Hills

Shop Nature Hills Nursery for the highest-quality trees, shrubs and plants that add beauty to all four seasons. From spring blooms to summer shade to brilliant fall foliage to elegant winter displays, we guarantee all our plants for their first year of life. We also remain in compliance with all local, state and federal regulations with help from Plant Sentry™, so you can shop with peace of mind.

FAQ's for Buying Winter Interest Bushes Online

What are the best shrubs for winter color and visual appeal?

Top winter interest shrubs include Red Twig Dogwood, Compact Burning Bush, Holly, and Rhododendron. These varieties offer colorful stems, evergreen foliage, vibrant berries, or textured branching to keep your landscape attractive through the colder months.

Do winter interest shrubs lose their leaves?

Some winter interest shrubs are deciduous and lose their leaves in fall, showcasing striking stems or branch patterns. Others, like Hollies and Rhododendrons, are evergreen and maintain foliage year-round, adding consistent color and form to your winter garden.

Can I grow winter interest shrubs in cold climates?

Yes, many winter interest shrubs are well-suited for cold climates and are selected specifically for their ability to thrive in lower USDA zones. Look for hardy varieties like Boxwood, Juniper, and certain species of Holly that perform well in frosty conditions.

How do I design a winter landscape with shrubs?

To create a compelling winter landscape, combine evergreen shrubs with deciduous varieties that offer colorful bark, berries, or architectural form. Position them where they'll stand out against snow or muted surroundings—like borders, entryways, or mixed shrub beds.

Do winter interest shrubs need special care in cold weather?

Most winter interest shrubs are low maintenance once established. To protect them, apply mulch over the root zone in late fall, water before deep freezes, and prune in early spring as needed. Always follow specific care instructions based on the shrub variety.

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