The final two shrubs didn't make my Top 10 list. I mention them simply because they used to be popular for providing winter scenes in the yard: Japanese barberry shrubs and winged euonymus shrubs. Both, however, are invasive plants, so seek alternative components for your winter scenes where possible.
Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is a rounded shrub with thorns, hardy to zone 3. It ranges between 4' and 6' both in height and spread. Its leaves put on a color show in autumn, changing to orange, then to reddish purple. Small yellow flowers in spring are succeeded by oval, red berries. These fruits last well into winter, thus serving not only as components for winter scenes, but also as a source of food for wild birds. As an alternative, try cotoneaster plants.
Winged euonymus (Euonymus alatus), also called "burning bush" (height 10'-15', spread 10'-15'), is grown in zones 4-8. For the purposes of winter scenes, the common name, "winged euonymus" is apropos. Indeed, the Latin, alatus, does translate to "winged." But in addition, it is the "wing" or corky flap of bark running along the edges of its stems that is responsible for this plant's popularity for winter scenes. Because of this corky protrusion, winged euonymus catches and holds snow more readily than most plants (see photo, above right), affording glimpses of sparkling winter scenes.
Other kinds of euonymus lend themselves to winter scenes for a different reason: namely, they bear evergreen foliage. For example, 'Emerald Gaiety' euonymus can be coaxed up a post, where its variegated, evergreen leaves will be visible all winter. They pick up pink highlights during Old Man Winter's tenure that make them even prettier.
The designation, "burning bush" for this invasive shrub is more appropriate in autumn, when the bush's dazzling red foliage does virtually set the landscape "on fire." As a fall-color alternative, try Virginia sweetspire. For information on other shrubs popular for fall landscaping, please consult Shrubs and Vines for Fall Color.
