Winter may be long and often dreary when the garden goes to sleep for the season. However, you can count on Mother Nature to still put on a show. Many trees and shrubs have colorful or exotically pattered bark that’s on full display when leaves fall.
Here are 10 fabulous choices all of which bark up the right tree!
Brightest white bark of any birch! Exquisite peeling bark puts on an exciting wintertime show. Up to 40 ft. tall and 20 ft. wide. Full sun. Zone: 4 – 7
Paperbark Maple
Zone: 5 – 8
Fiery fall foliage notwithstanding, the real star is the papery sheets of bark that peel to reveal cinnamon-brown new bark. Up to 20 ft. tall and wide. Partial shade to full sun.
Natchez Crape Myrtle
Zone: 6 – 9
There are many reasons to love crape myrtle including its remarkable mottled bark that's the star of the winter season. Up to 20 ft. tall and wide. Full sun.
Heritage® River Birch
Zone: 3 – 7
Providing a different look than your typical white barked birch, River birches have more dramatic peeling and hues of creamy white and light peach. Quickly reaches 40 to 60 ft. tall and wide. Full sun.
European White Birch
Zone: 2 – 7
Specimen tree with graceful, arching, open-branched form for a dramatic habit even when young. Oh, and peeling bark, too! Up to 35 ft. tall and 20 ft. wide. Full sun.
Prairie Fire Dogwood
Zone: 2 – 7
Prairie Fire brightens the garden all year, with bright golden foliage turning red in fall before dropping to reveal the orange-red stems. Partial to full sun. Up to 7 ft. tall and wide.
Wildfire Blackgum
Zone: 5 – 9
Great large tree with standout dark gray bark that becomes furrowed with age. N. American native selection. Up to 50 ft. tall and 30 ft. wide with age. Full sun.
Coral Bark Japanese Maple
Zone: 5 – 8
While all Japanese maples are remarkable, this one’s brilliant red-coral bark on its young branches is a standout. Filtered to full sun. Up to 25 ft. tall and 20 ft. wide.
Marina Strawberry Tree
Zone: 7 – 9
Tucked inside fall blooms and summer fruits are twisty branches. Also, a thick trunk all covered with bark in a warm cinnamon hue. Up to 30 ft. tall and wide (with age). Full sun.
Plum Passion® Vine Maple
Zone: 6 – 9
Brilliant autumn foliage falls to reveal bare red-tinged branches that lend winter interest on this tall shrub or small tree. Up to 15 ft. tall and 8 ft.wide. Partial to full sun
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