5 shrubs that birds find inviting in the garden

Here are 5 ideas of shrubs that birds love using for shelter. Each one is a dream come true for wild birds, helping them survive the cold season and hide out from foul weather.

Read also:

• Provide small animals with shelter
• Feeding birds in Winter

Common elder

When fall comes around, birds love feasting on black elderberries. They help the tree by spreading its seeds. This shrub belongs to the Adoxaceae family, and it only requires very little care. It can cope with any type of soil and exposure. It blooms in May or June.

The flowers from this tree are either white or yellow, and you can use them to decorate and flavor salads or make wine.

• Read also: Guide to growing elder

Sacred bamboo

Also goes by the name “Nandina domestica”. This bamboo-like plant grows berries that look like red currant. They will feed birds throughout most of winter. It’s typically planted in shrub beds from fall to mid-March. The best spot for it is one that’s protected from wind: it can’t cope with harsh, biting cold gusts.

This shrub resists pollution extremely well, making it perfect for urban settings.

• Read also: how to grow sacred bamboo

Callicarpa

Pearls? Candy? Beads? Ah, the never-ending joy of contemplating the violently purple fruits of the Callicarpa bush. Even birds are fascinated by them. They only start pecking at the fruits after they turn brown, at the end of winter. For many a month, the purple berries remain on display.

When planted in spring in a sunny, wind-sheltered spot, Callicarpa resists diseases particularly well.

• Read also: growing callicarpa

Maule’s quince

A very easy shrub to care for, Maule’s quince forms a virtually impenetrable hedge. Sparsely interspersed within the thorny branches are the pale yellow fruits, quince. When cooked, these make for tasty jams and jellies.

The tree is relatively hardy. It can survive temperatures hardy down to -4°F (-25°C). It adapts to all types of soil, even poor, rocky terrain.

• Read also: growing guide for Maule’s quince

Holly

Symbol of end-of-year festivities, holly was originally a forest underbrush shrub. The bright red berries are beloved by thrush and blackbirds.

To ensure fruit-bearing, it’s essential to have both male and female cultivars. Plant the shrubs in March or April. The species loves rich and cool soil. It thrives both in full sun and in full shade.

• Read also: growing holly
• Its American cousin: yaupon

Smart tip

When planting these shrubs, make sure to space them by at least three feet (one meter). This will give each one more light. Fruits will be more abundant.

M.B.