Winter fire
There’s no need for your garden to look bare and boring at this time of year. A display of red trunks, twigs and shoots will ensure a good show
This cracker has bark that flakes off to reveal cinnamon shades
SOME of my top can’t-do-without winter shrubs are dogwoods. Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’ is an old favourite with cherry-red stems. Since the young shoots are always the most brightly coloured, savvy gardeners know the way to keep this plant looking its best is to cut the oldest, thickest and woodiest stems back to within a few inches of the ground in late February. That encourages a surge of strong, straight new growth.
Or try Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’, which combines maroon winter twigs with variegated summer foliage – a real all-year rounder.
Another stunner is Cornus ‘Midwinter Fire’, which has yelloworange stems that look like flickering flames in the off season, and in autumn its leaves take on matching shades. This variety looks stunning planted thickly as ground cover under trees, where the sight will warm your heart on grey days. If your lawn has space for a specimen tree, there are several good choices that won’t outgrow their welcome. Birches are wonderful for snowy bark, but for something special, try any of the named forms of the Chinese red birch (Betula albosinensis), which have red and orange peeling bark. Another cracker is the evergreen Arbutus x andrachnoides, with bark that flakes off revealing red and cinnamon shades.
Some of the snazziest bark of all belongs to a group of acers known as snakebark maples, due to the wavy lines striating their trunks. The young twigs often have greenish bark, which adds to the faintly reptilian effect.
Trees are happiest in woodland conditions with semi-shade, shelter and humus-rich soil, but a wellprotected fertile border is doable.
Acer pensylvanicum is one of the best for stripy silver and green bark.
For something bolder it’s worth looking for the variety Erythrocladum which has pink shoots that age gracefully to orange and white stripes.
The best way to enjoy twigs is against a plain background.
Reddish or ginger trunks and twigs look most striking against a blue-green or grey-green backdrop.
White or silver trunks show up well against timber fences, brick or stone walls and outbuildings.