Foliage color, other than green, can occur in fall, in spring, or from spring to fall. Spring only foliage color fades to green or off green by summer. Colored foliage shrubs can be less vigorous than the same plant with green foliage. Shrubs with variegated leaves may not be as vigorous as the same species with green leaves. Shrubs with colored foliage may need different light intensity.
Sunlight is necessary for good fall color development or summer foliage coloration.
For example, barberry cultivars with purple leaves in the sun, have green leaves in the shade. Winter color is provided by evergreens or shrubs with colored bark. Bark is another ornamental feature. The bark may be highly colored or have interesting texture. Select shrubs hardy enough to survive the winter.