If you enjoy making flower arrangements, you will be glad to know that you can use some home grown plants and shrubs as a source for many types of beautiful berries and fruits. Some of these can be found in the fall or winter months, when there is not much else blooming, while others prefer a warmer season to bloom.
The smaller shrubs and trees are especially suited for using in arrangements or in bunches by themselves. Here are some of the names and descriptions of some of the best and most popular ones. Please note that all of these will not grown in all parts of the U.S., especially in the winter time. You should check with your local nursery to see if these will grow well in your area.
Berberis jamesiana: has long arching branches that carry pendulous clusters of coral red berries.
Callicarpa: has several varieties, each with clusters of small violet berries. They usually require a warm, sunny positon in the landscape.
Crataegus prunifolia: more of a thorn, that has very large scarlet fruits which last well into the winter.
Cotoneaster Wardii
Cotoneaster: most Cotoneaster varieties can be used for arrangements, but particularly Cotoneaster wardii and Cotoneaster watereri.
Cydonia oblonga: also known as the common Quince, has golden yellow, scented fruits t he size of small pears.
Decaisnea fargesii: is a vigorous deciduous shrub with hanging blue gray fruits, that are cylindrical in shape.
Euonymus europaeus
Euonymus europaeus: also known as the spindle tree, is a vigorous deciduous shrub with rose-colored fruits that split to reveal orange seeds. This can be found in the rare and unusual plant categories.
A very unique and sometimes rare plant, and very pretty! Notice the bright colored orange seeds. Great for arrangements if you have any of these beauties around.
Pyracanthus (fire thorn): all varieties of this plant will do well in arrangements as their leaves are evergreen, and the berries scarlet, orange, or yellow. Very good for placing amongst other types of flowering plants. Be sure to try different combinations with textures, as well as color. Pyracanthus also makes a great espalier plant.
Pyracantha as Espalier
Sorbus aucuparia: consists of the Mountain Ash, or Rowan with its scarlet fruits.
Malus: this group consists of the crabapples, such as Siberian Crab, Dartmouth, Golden Hornet, and John Downie.
