About
Pyracantha crenatoserrata, the Chinese firethorn, is a large, spiny, evergreen shrub to around 3�4 m with oval to egg-shaped, glossy-green foliage. Dense clusters of white flowers appear in spring and summer, followed by berry-like, glossy red to orange fruit in autumn. A rewarding and ornamental wall shrub 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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-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 toC & W China
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
CultivationEasy to grow in fertile soil in sun or partial shade. Tolerant of pollution
PruningSee pruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings from late spring onwards
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