Although I'm a little late on the posting two showstoppers in the garden at christmas and well into the new year are the native winterberry shrubs (ilex verticillata) and the ornamental and non-invasive heavenly bamboo (nandina domestica).
Above is the smallest of winterberries 'Red Sprite'. The male pollinator counterpart is 'Jim Dandy' (they are from the holly family, however they are decidous). At maturity they reach 3'x 3'. A larger winterberry, and just as deserving in the garden, is 'Winter Red' (female) and the 'Southern Gentleman' (you guessed it, male). Both range about 8' x 8'. All winterberries prefer sun and are tolerant of wet soils. They are found in swampy areas in north america. The red berry color is for our benefit, the actual berries that hang on until late winter are for the birds, literally. Migrating songbirds forage upon the berries as they return to your locale.
Heavenly bamboo has a more unique berry cluster set. It does well in part sun, part shade and retains most of it's foliage in winter. Mature height of 6' tall x 3' wide, it's best to cut the plant back after it becomes a little leggy. Doing so will rejuvenate and guarantee a striking show.
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