THE glowing colour of winter stems can be visually stunning, writes TOM ATTWOOD. The colour they provide is long lasting and is easily achieved and, when coupled with trees with great bark colour, transforms the off season in the garden to something special.

Dogwoods (cornus) are superb but not the whole cornus family has attractive winter stems. Varieties in the alba and sericea end of the genus are the most striking: sibirica or westonbirt (its the same thing) is outstanding and, when cut back to just above ground level at the end of every second winter, the growth is kept in check and the colouring is also enhanced; the new growth is always the most vibrant.

Cornus alba 'sibirica variegata’ has equally red stems but the attractive white variegated summer leaves are an added bonus for many. The C. sericea form Flaviramea has yellowy green stems that contrast well with the red forms if planted nearby.

I mustn’t forget the appropriately named cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire.' This is a superb selection. Stems are yellowish orange and somewhat spindly. Much slower to grow and with less need for the harsh regular pruning, this really glows in weak winter sunshine and is a first rate medium sized shrub as is the (arguably superior) cultivar 'Anny’s Winter Orange.

Some of the willows (salix) can be annually pruned hard to keep them to shrub size. Like dogwoods, the newest younger stems have the best colour of winter stems. Salix daphnoides and alba ‘Britzensis’ would make good back of the border or wild garden choices.

Some worthy shrubs providing excellent winter interest can also provide some security. Several rubus species, notably cockburnianus, have fierce hooked thorns that no one in their right mind would push their way through. This clump forming shrub will provide a first rate intruder barrier. The arching stems are covered in a ghostly white bloom. I love how this has been used in the garden at Brantwood where the stems seamlessly merge into the sculptural metalwork and the effect is superb thanks largely to some regular judicious pruning.