About
An upright, evergreen shrub with glossy eliptical leaves and spiny stems. Clusters of white flowers are produced in early summer followed by red berries lasting through autumn and into early winter.
About the genus
Pyracantha are evergreen shrubs or small trees, with spiny branches bearing simple leaves and corymbs of small white flowers followed by showy red, orange or yellow berries
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitColumnar upright, Spreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
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
CultivationGrow in a fairly fertile, moisture retentive but free draining soil in sun or partial shade. Suitable for training as a wall shrub.
PruningIn spring, remove older fruited stems to allow younger stems to ripen and flower next year.
PropagationPropagate from semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings. Can be grown from seed but specific cultivars will show some differences from the parent plant.
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