Shrubs and trees' winter striptease

AS the last of the deciduous trees drop their leaves, a new beauty reveals itself. Often heavily disguised with foliage, the bare stems and bark become more visible and can be very beautiful features of shrubs and trees. It's worth taking a closer look and admiring the standout performers that we can enjoy over the winter months.

- DIARMUID GAVIN

Rubus thibetanus is also known as the ghost bramble. The upright stems are dark purple but covered with a chalky white bloom, almost as if they are dusted in frost.

Contrast this with the fiery stems of dogwood such as Cornus 'Midwinter Fire'. The stems are golden orange at the base but with a warm red glow at the tips.

Other interesting dogwoods include 'Flaviramea, which has bright yellow green stems, and by contrast 'Kesselringii, with its purple black stems. As the stems mature, they can become woody and brown so the best way to ensure the vibrant colours is a good chopping back every few years, encouraging fresh colourful growth.