Just because so-called "flowering shrubs" are grouped together due to their blooming displays earlier in the year, don't think that all members of this class are devoid of interest during the fall and winter. Some double as what we might term, "fall shrubs" -- shrubs whose leaves lend outstanding autumn color to the landscape. A few even boast winter interest.
Fall Shrubs
When we think of fall color, trees probably come to mind first. But there are many fall shrubs that give even the best fall foliage trees a run for their money, albeit on a smaller scale.
Arrowwood viburnum shrubs produce white flowers in spring. But viburnums may well be said to contribute more autumn color to the yard than spring color. Arrowwood viburnum shrubs bear not only attractive fall foliage, but also bluish berries in clusters.
Oakleaf hydrangeas produces clusters of white flowers in summer. But the distinguishing characteristic of these fall shrubs is their oak leaf-shaped foliage. The leathery leaves offer nice autumn color, turning purple, orangey-bronze or red.
Winter Shrubs
Finally, even winter, that Scrooge of the seasons for landscaping interest, is not without its shrub stars -- in addition, that is, to the no-brainers: those that are evergreen. Since, in winter, there will be neither flowers nor (by definition) foliage on deciduous shrubs, any interest they offer will have to come from peeling bark or unusual branching patterns.
The oakleaf hydrangeas mentioned above are an example of a flowering shrub with a peeling bark. That makes them a "triple threat," adding interest to the landscape in summer (when they bloom), fall (with the autumn color of their leaves) and winter.
As for unusual branching patterns, few shrubs can lay claim to this feature as confidently as Harry Lauder's walking stick! Not surprisingly, this winter shrub also goes by the names "corkscrew hazel" and "contorted filbert."
