As we enter the winter months, it is important to ensure that your garden holds interest when other species defoliate. The right selection of trees can bring structure, colour, and character even in the depths of winter. In this second half of our two-part article, we highlight the remaining trees in our top 10 trees for winter interest!

Nordman fir (Abies nordmanniana)

The Nordmann Fir stands out with its horizontal branches and glossy dark-green needles. This evergreen conifer is popular in larger gardens and woodlands, it also serves as an excellent non-drop Christmas tree. The Nordmann Fir keeps its needles well, making it a practical and attractive choice for winter interest.

Japanese Maple ‘Sango-kaku’ (Acer palmatum)

This compact maple delivers a double dose of beauty. In autumn, its leaves turn a brilliant orange. As the foliage drops, vibrant coral-red stems take over, adding a bold splash of winter colour. Ideal for smaller gardens or focal points, ‘Sango-kaku’ is a striking addition to any collection of trees for winter interest.

River Birch (Betula nigra)

Often overlooked, the River Birch deserves more attention. Its shaggy, peeling bark provides rich texture through the colder months. As its name suggests, it does prefer a wetter area in the garden, but this can be an advantage where drainage is an issue as it will tolerate some waterlogging. This birch stands out for both form and function for winter interest!

Ilex “Nellie R Stevens”

Why choose ‘Nellie R Stevens’ over the native holly? It reliably produces vibrant red berries that stay through December, adding seasonal cheer. Birds flock to its fruit, and its evergreen foliage offers excellent screening. This is one of the best trees for winter interest, combining beauty and practicality.

Snake Bark Maple (Acer rufinerve)

Known for its unique striped bark, the Snake Bark Maple brings character to your winter garden. Its green bark streaked with white lines gives it a reptilian appearance. Autumn sees its serrated leaves glow orange and red, while spring brings tiny yellow flowers. This is a show-stopper in any lineup of trees for winter interest.

Visit Our Tree Nursery

Read part two here. Looking for more ideas or want to see these trees in person? At King & Co, we stock a wide selection of trees for winter interest, along with hedging, topiary, screening trees, and shrubs.