Hardy or sensitive to frost?

According to the large distribution area, the differences are sometimes considerable, some species are evergreen, others shed their leaves in autumn. The climatic conditions are not the same either. You can find tree shrugs in temperate climates, but also in the tropics. The location varies from dry thickets to humid forests. However, tree shrugs are considered to be very hardy.

How do I care for my tree shrike in winter?

Unlike many other hardy plants, the tree shrike does not need any winter protection because it can withstand temperatures down to - 28 ° C. If its leaves have fallen off, it hardly needs any water and no fertilizer at all.

A pruning in autumn is not necessary. Let the climbing shrub grow until its size is what you want. Then you can prune it practically anytime you want.

Is there any way I can use the glowing berries?

The ornamental berries of the tree shrike are slightly poisonous

, like all other parts of the plant. So they shouldn't be on your menu. However, the berries serve as winter food for birds. If you want to use branches with the bright orange to red fruits for a colorful autumn bouquet, then make sure that no small children have access to the bouquet.

In order for you to be able to spot berries on your tree shrike, you absolutely need at least one male and one female plant. Depending on the species, the fruits ripen from July or August and decorate the climbing shrub, which otherwise becomes bare, well into winter.

The essentials in brief:

• hardy
• tolerates frost up to approx. - 28 ° C
• the round-leaved tree shrike sheds the leaves in autumn
• Berries stay on the plant through the winter
• Branches with berries are good for autumn bouquets