About
Pyracantha coccinea, the scarlet firethorn, is an upright to spreading, evergreen shrub to more than 3 m with dark-green, spiny-branched stems. Dense clusters of small, white flowers appear in late spring on the previous year's growth, followed by a profusion of bright, orange-red berries in autumn. An excellent wall shrub and wildlife plant for a sunny or lightly shaded position.
About the genus
Pyracantha, the firethorns, are evergreen shrubs or small trees with spiny branches, simple leaves and corymbs of small, white flowers in late spring followed by showy red, orange or yellow berries in autumn. Among the most ornamental of all berry-bearing shrubs for walls and borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope, SW Asia
ToxicityFruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationSuitable for growing in any moderately fertile garden soil, in sun or partial shade, including very dry, free-draining soils, and heavy clays, as long as they are not prone to waterlogging. See pyracantha cultivation
PruningFlowers are produced mainly on stems produced the previous year, so pruning should aim to retain as much two year old growth as possible. Prune out unwanted growth and on mature shrubs, twenty percent of older wood, after flowering has finished each year.
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings, or by seed sown in spring, after three months of cold stratification.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, woolly aphid, caterpillars, brown scale and leaf-mining moths
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to pyracantha scab, honey fungus and fireblight