10 Shrubs with Red Berries: A Complete Guide for Gardeners Worldwide

There is something quietly satisfying about a shrub heavy with red berries. Whether it is the contrast of crimson fruit against winter snow, the sound of birds arriving to feed, or simply the warmth that red adds to an otherwise bare garden — red-berried shrubs earn their place in landscapes across the world.

Beyond their visual appeal, many of these shrubs serve a real ecological purpose. They feed birds and small mammals through the lean months of autumn and winter, support pollinators during flowering season, and provide structure in the garden year-round. For gardeners in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and beyond, there are excellent choices suited to nearly every climate, soil type, and garden size.

This guide covers 10 of the best shrubs with red berries. Each entry includes information on growing conditions, geographic suitability, and practical tips so you can make the right choice for your specific location and garden goals.

What to Know Before You Plant

Not all red berries are safe. Some of the most ornamentally striking berry-producing shrubs — including holly, yew, and cotoneaster — produce berries that are toxic to humans and, in some cases, pets. This does not make them unsuitable for gardens, but it is essential to know which plants you are working with, especially if children or animals have access to the space.

It is also worth understanding that many berry-producing shrubs require both male and female plants to produce fruit. This is particularly true of hollies. Always check the plant label or ask your nursery whether a pollinator is needed before you buy.

Finally, consider your local wildlife regulations. In some regions, certain berry-producing shrubs — particularly non-native species like common cotoneaster — have become invasive and are actively discouraged or restricted. Always choose plants appropriate to your region, and when possible, favour native species.

With those points in mind, here are 10 outstanding shrubs with red berries worth knowing.

1. Holly (Ilex spp.)

Holly is perhaps the most recognised berry-producing shrub in the temperate world. Its glossy, dark green leaves and clusters of bright red berries have become cultural symbols in much of Europe and North America, appearing on everything from Christmas cards to wreaths. But beyond tradition, holly is a genuinely excellent garden shrub.

There are hundreds of holly species and cultivars, ranging from compact dwarf forms suitable for small gardens to large, tree-like specimens. American holly (Ilex opaca) is native to the eastern United States and grows in USDA Hardiness Zones 5–9. English holly (Ilex aquifolium) is widespread across the UK, western Europe, and temperate parts of Australia and New Zealand. Inkberry (Ilex glabra) and winterberry (Ilex verticillata) are popular in wetter North American climates.

Most hollies are dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female. Only female plants produce berries, but a male plant must be nearby for pollination. A common planting ratio is one male to every five or six female plants. Fortunately, the male plant does not need to be the same species — just a compatible holly that blooms at the same time.

Holly grows well in partial shade to full sun and prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It is a long-lived plant — some hollies survive for centuries — and once established, it requires very little maintenance. Wildlife benefit enormously from holly, as the berries provide critical winter food for thrushes, robins, cedar waxwings, and mockingbirds depending on your region.

Best for: UK, eastern North America, temperate Pacific regions, parts of southern Australia.

2. Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.)

Cotoneasters are some of the most reliable berry-producing shrubs available to gardeners. They are tough, adaptable, and capable of growing in conditions that would challenge most other ornamentals. Their small red or orange-red berries, called pomes, appear in late summer and persist well into winter, providing an extended season of colour and wildlife food.

The genus contains more than 300 species, ranging from ground-hugging varieties like Cotoneaster horizontalis to large, arching shrubs like Cotoneaster lacteus. Most are fully or semi-evergreen, which adds to their year-round ornamental value. They grow across a wide hardiness range — generally Zones 4–8, depending on species — and are widely planted in the UK, continental Europe, the Pacific Northwest, and parts of South Africa and Australia.

It is important to note that several cotoneaster species, particularly Cotoneaster horizontalis and Cotoneaster simonsii, are considered invasive in parts of the UK, Ireland, and Australia, where they spread readily into wild areas via bird-dispersed seed. In these regions, gardeners are advised to check with local authorities or extension services before planting and to consider whether alternative native species might serve the same purpose.

Where cotoneasters are appropriate, they are excellent for banks, borders, walls, and wildlife gardens. They tolerate poor soils, drought, and urban pollution — qualities that make them particularly useful in difficult sites.

Best for: UK (with species caution), continental Europe, Pacific Northwest USA, parts of New Zealand and South Africa.

3. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)

Winterberry deserves special mention as one of the most spectacular berry displays of any deciduous shrub in the North American landscape. Unlike most hollies, winterberry drops its leaves in autumn, leaving branches absolutely smothered in vivid red or orange-red berries that are visible from a considerable distance. Few garden plants create this kind of impact in the winter landscape.

It is native to eastern North America, where it grows naturally along stream banks, wet woodlands, and bog edges. This native habitat tells you something important about its preferred conditions: it loves moisture. Winterberry thrives in reliably moist to wet soil, making it ideal for rain gardens, pond edges, and low-lying areas of the landscape that are difficult to plant with other ornamentals.

It grows in Zones 3–9, making it one of the hardiest berry-producing shrubs on this list. It tolerates both partial shade and full sun, though fruiting is generally better in sunnier positions. As with other hollies, male and female plants are needed for berry production. Named male cultivars such as ‘Southern Gentleman’ and ‘Jim Dandy’ are commonly sold alongside compatible female cultivars like ‘Winter Red’ and ‘Berry Heavy.’

Beyond its ornamental value, winterberry is a critical wildlife resource. Its berries are consumed by over 40 species of birds in North America, including bluebirds, robins, and hermit thrushes.

Best for: Eastern North America, particularly the northeastern US and southeastern Canada.

4. Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii)

Japanese barberry is a deciduous shrub valued for its compact habit, thorny branches, and small but abundant red berries that persist through winter. Its foliage can be green, purple, or variegated depending on the cultivar, and it turns vivid shades of orange and red before dropping in autumn. The combination of colourful foliage and persistent red berries gives it strong year-round appeal.

It is extremely adaptable, tolerating poor soils, drought, urban pollution, and a wide range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. It grows in Zones 4–8 and is widely planted across the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe. It is particularly common in the midwestern and northeastern United States, where it is used extensively in commercial and residential landscapes.

However, Japanese barberry has become a significant invasive species in many parts of the eastern United States and Canada. It spreads readily through bird-dispersed seed and can outcompete native understory vegetation in forests and woodlands. Several US states — including Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania — have restricted or prohibited its sale and planting. Before purchasing Japanese barberry, always check your local regulations and consider native alternatives such as native hollies, elderberry, or viburnums.

Where it is not invasive or restricted, it remains a practical and attractive choice for difficult sites.

Best for: Parts of western North America and Europe where it is not invasive; check local regulations before planting.

5. Yew (Taxus spp.)

Yew is one of the oldest and most enduring shrubs in temperate gardens. It is deeply connected to the landscapes of the UK and Europe, where ancient specimens survive in churchyards and hedgerows for hundreds — and in some cases thousands — of years. It is also widely grown in North America, particularly the Pacific Northwest and northeastern US.

The female yew produces small, fleshy, bright red arils — the soft outer covering of the seed — that appear in late summer and persist through autumn. These arils are attractive to birds, particularly thrushes and waxwings, which pass the seeds unharmed. However, the seed inside the aril and virtually all other parts of the yew plant — leaves, bark, and seeds — are highly toxic to humans, horses, cattle, and dogs. This is a critical point. Yew should not be planted where livestock can access it or in gardens frequented by young children without careful supervision.

That caution aside, yew is an extraordinary garden shrub. It is one of the most shade-tolerant plants available, growing successfully in positions where most shrubs would fail. It responds superbly to clipping and is the premier choice for formal hedges and topiary in the UK and continental Europe. It grows in Zones 4–7 and prefers well-drained soil in sun or shade.

Best for: UK, continental Europe, Pacific Northwest, northeastern North America.

6. Skimmia (Skimmia japonica)

Skimmia is a compact, rounded evergreen shrub that has become a staple of shaded garden borders across the UK and similar cool, temperate climates. Its bright red berries develop in autumn and persist through winter, often lasting until late spring — an unusually long season of ornamental interest for a berry-producing shrub.

Native to Japan, China, and parts of Southeast Asia, skimmia is well-adapted to the mild, moist climates of the UK, Ireland, coastal Scandinavia, and the Pacific Northwest of North America. It grows in Zones 6–9 and prefers partial to full shade with humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil. It handles urban conditions well and is a reliable performer in city gardens.

As with hollies, skimmia is dioecious. Both male and female plants are needed for berry production, though some cultivars are described as hermaphroditic and will berry without a pollinator. The male cultivar ‘Rubella’ is commonly planted for its attractive red flower buds, which provide winter colour even before the spring flowers open. Popular berry-bearing female cultivars include ‘Nymans’ and ‘Veitchii.’

Skimmia is low-maintenance, slow-growing, and largely pest-free when grown in appropriate conditions. It is an excellent choice for shaded front gardens, container planting, and mixed evergreen borders. The berries are mildly toxic if ingested, which is worth bearing in mind.

Best for: UK, Ireland, coastal Scandinavia, Pacific Northwest USA and Canada, mild urban gardens worldwide.

7. Pyracantha — Firethorn (Pyracantha spp.)

Pyracantha is aptly named. Its common name, firethorn, comes from its fierce thorns and the blazing clusters of berries — typically red, orange, or yellow — that cover the plant from late summer through winter. When a pyracantha is in full berry, it is one of the most arresting sights in any garden or landscape.

It is an evergreen shrub native to parts of southern Europe, western Asia, and China. It grows vigorously and is widely planted across the UK, continental Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and temperate regions of North America. It grows in Zones 6–9 and is particularly valued in the UK, where it is one of the best-loved wildlife shrubs. Its berries are consumed eagerly by fieldfares, redwings, blackbirds, and waxwings in large numbers during winter.

Pyracantha is extremely versatile. It can be grown as a free-standing shrub, a hedge, or trained flat against a wall or fence — a practice particularly common in UK and European gardens where it creates a spectacular espalier effect. It tolerates poor soils, exposure, and urban pollution, and it grows vigorously once established. Pruning is best done after fruiting to avoid removing the developing berries.

Some pyracantha species have naturalised in parts of Australia and the western United States and should be checked against local invasive species lists before planting.

Best for: UK, continental Europe, New Zealand, South Africa, temperate gardens in Australia and North America.

8. Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) — Red Elderberry

Most gardeners are familiar with common elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and its dark purple-black berries used in syrups and wines. Fewer know its red-berried relative, red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa), which produces vivid clusters of scarlet berries in summer and is equally — if not more — ornamental.

Red elderberry is native to both North America and Europe, where it grows naturally in moist woodlands, forest edges, and stream margins. It is fast-growing and deciduous, reaching 3–4 metres in height, and can fill a large shaded or partly shaded space quickly. It grows in Zones 3–7 and tolerates a wide range of soils, including clay and moist conditions.

The berries of red elderberry are important food for birds — particularly thrushes, waxwings, and robins in North America and Europe — but they are toxic to humans when raw and should not be consumed without proper preparation. Some sources indicate they can be rendered safe through cooking, but this is not consistent, and caution is strongly advised.

For wildlife gardening, naturalising large spaces, or providing screening in moist and partially shaded areas, red elderberry is a superb choice. It is native, ecologically valuable, and visually striking.

Best for: Northern and eastern North America, northern Europe, UK, Scandinavia, Canada.

9. Viburnum (Viburnum spp.)

The viburnum genus is one of the most valuable in horticulture. It contains roughly 150–175 species, many of which produce berries in shades of red, blue, black, or pink-red as they ripen through the season. Several species produce red berries that are highly ornamental and attractive to wildlife.

Viburnum opulus — the guelder rose — is native to Europe, northern Asia, and North Africa and is one of the most widely grown berry-bearing viburnums in the UK and continental Europe. Its translucent red berries arrive in autumn and are strikingly beautiful, though mildly toxic to humans in large quantities. It grows in Zones 3–8 and tolerates moist soils and partial shade extremely well.

Viburnum trilobum — the American highbush cranberry — is the North American counterpart. It is native across Canada and the northern United States, grows in Zones 2–7, and produces similar clusters of bright red berries. It is an important food source for overwintering birds including cedar waxwings and robins. Unlike the European species, its berries are edible and tart, traditionally used in preserves and sauces.

Both species are excellent choices for wildlife gardens, mixed shrub borders, and naturalistic landscapes. They offer spring flowers, summer foliage, vivid autumn berry displays, and good autumn leaf colour.

Best for: UK and continental Europe (V. opulus); Canada and northern United States (V. trilobum); widely adaptable across temperate zones.

10. Roses — Species and Shrub Roses (Rosa spp.)

When most people think of roses, they think of flowers. But many species and old shrub roses also produce hips — the fleshy, red to orange-red fruits that follow the flowers — and these can be among the most striking and wildlife-friendly features of the autumn and winter garden.

Dog rose (Rosa canina) is native to Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia and is one of the most widespread wild shrubs in the UK hedgerow landscape. Its small but vivid red hips persist through autumn and are consumed by birds — particularly thrushes, fieldfares, and redwings. They are also rich in Vitamin C and have a long history of use in traditional food and medicine.

Rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa) is native to eastern Asia and has naturalised widely in North America, Europe, and parts of Australasia. Its hips are unusually large — sometimes the size of a small tomato — and a striking shade of deep red. It grows vigorously in Zones 2–7, tolerates poor, sandy soils, and is one of the best choices for coastal gardens subject to wind and salt spray.

Rosa moyesii, a species rose from China, produces spectacular flagon-shaped red hips in autumn. It is widely grown in UK and European gardens for this feature alone. Combined with arching habit and deep pink summer flowers, it is a genuinely outstanding ornamental shrub.

Best for: UK, continental Europe, North America, coastal and cold-climate gardens worldwide.

Choosing the Right Red-Berried Shrub for Your Garden

With ten excellent options available, the best choice depends on several practical factors.

Climate and hardiness zone. This is the starting point for any planting decision. Gardeners in Canada, Scotland, or Scandinavia will naturally gravitate toward the hardiest species — winterberry, viburnum, dog rose, and red elderberry all survive and thrive in cold conditions. Gardeners in milder climates in coastal Australia, New Zealand, or the southern UK have access to a broader range including skimmia and pyracantha.

Soil conditions. If your garden has heavy clay or stays consistently moist, choose shrubs like winterberry, guelder rose, or red elderberry that tolerate or prefer those conditions. If your soil is dry and free-draining, pyracantha, yew, and cotoneaster (where appropriate) are more forgiving.

Wildlife goals. If supporting birds and pollinators is a priority — and it is an increasingly important goal for many gardeners — native species are the best choice. Holly, viburnum, rose, and elderberry all rank highly for wildlife value in their native ranges.

Toxicity awareness. If your garden is regularly used by young children, be selective. Yew, skimmia, and holly berries are all toxic. Position these plants thoughtfully or choose safer alternatives.

Invasive species caution. Always check local invasive species databases before planting cotoneaster or Japanese barberry, particularly in the UK, Australia, and the eastern United States.

Planting and Care Tips

Most berry-producing shrubs establish quickly with good soil preparation. Work compost or well-rotted organic matter into the planting area to improve both drainage and moisture retention. Mulch around the root zone after planting to retain moisture and suppress weeds — a thin layer of bark mulch works well for most species.

Water consistently through the first growing season. Once established, most of the shrubs on this list require minimal irrigation except during prolonged drought. Pruning is best done after the berry season to avoid removing developing fruit. For hollies, viburnums, and roses, a light tidy in late winter is usually sufficient.

For hollies and skimmia, remember to plant both a male and female if berry production is your goal. Mark the male plant clearly so it is not accidentally removed — a simple label on the stake is enough.

Suggested For You:

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15 Winter Interest Shrubs: Colour, Structure, and Life in the Cold-Season Garden

15 Flowering Shrubs for Zone 5: The Best Choices for Cold-Climate Gardens

25 Low Maintenance Shrubs: Beautiful Choices That Take Care of Themselves

Final Thoughts

Red-berried shrubs bring something to the garden that very few other plants can match. They carry the season forward from summer into the depths of winter, sustaining wildlife and providing colour when most of the garden has gone quiet. Whether you are in a small urban garden in London, a rural property in Ontario, a coastal section in New Zealand, or a suburban backyard in the American Midwest, at least one or two of the shrubs on this list will suit your conditions.

Choose carefully, plant thoughtfully, and in a few seasons you will have a garden that works for both you and the natural world around it.

References

1. University of Maryland Extension — Shrubs for Wildlife in the Home Landscape https://extension.umd.edu/resource/native-shrubs-wildlife
   
2. North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension — Plant Toolbox: Berry-Producing Shrubs https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/find_a_plant/?habit=shrub&feature=fruit
   
3. Penn State Extension — Hollies for the Landscape https://extension.psu.edu/hollies-for-the-landscape
   
4. University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension — Native Shrubs for Birds and Wildlife https://extension.wisc.edu/publications/native-shrubs-for-wildlife/
   
5. Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) — Wisley Plant Trials and Educational Resources — Shrubs with Ornamental Fruit https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/types/shrubs/berrying-shrubs