Want More Birds In Your Garden? Plant These Berry-Rich Shrubs Before March Ends

1Rowan a waxwing [bombycilla garrulus] perched in a rowan tree. picture taken in cheltenham, gloucestershire , england on the 5th of january 2024. Gary Chalker//Getty Images

Rowans are small to medium-sized deciduous trees native to the UK. They yield red berries, though some cultivated varieties have different-colored berries, like the one pictured. Because of their compact size, they’re a great choice for smaller gardens, says Lucy.

2Hawthorn cute long tailed tit (aegithalos caudatus) perching in a hawthorn bush. Andyworks//Getty Images

Hawthorn can be planted as a tree or a hedge. They yield red berries known as haws that are loved by mistle thrushes, fieldfares, redwings, blackbirds, robins, waxwings, bullfinches, and wawfinches.

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3Holly a kingfisher perched on a holly branch with red berries Ruth Hayton//Getty Images

Holly is a compact, low-growing shrub valued for its dense, evergreen foliage. In winter, its glossy leaves and bright berries come into their own, with branches that can be cut and brought indoors for festive decoration.

4Cotoneaster blackbird perched among red berries on a cotoneaster branch ERHARD NERGER//Getty Images

This non-native shrub is available in multiple varieties. Low-growing cotoneasters can be used for ground cover, while others grow vertically, adding height to the garden. The colour of their berries varies from yellow to bright red, depending on the variety.

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5Pyracantha magpie perched on a pyracantha branch DIETER HOPF//Getty Images

Pyracantha, better known as firethorns, is a non-native shrub available in various varieties. Most have very spiky thorns – a feature that makes them attractive to nesting birds, as they offer protection from predators.

Headshot of Wanda Sachs

Wanda Sachs is the Daily Writer for House Beautiful and Country Living, exploring the latest in interior design, home trends, property news, wellbeing and sustainable living. With a keen eye for style and a passion for storytelling, she previously served as an Associate Editor at The Berliner in Berlin, where she launched and led the magazine’s monthly style vertical, covering emerging fashion trends. Wanda holds a combined BA in English and German from Goethe University Frankfurt.

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