About
An upright and spreading evergreen shrub with eliptical leaves and spiny stems. Small white flowers are produced in late spring and early summer followed by clusters of golden orange berries.
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
AspectEast-facing, West-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitColumnar upright, Spreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden
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 reasonably fertile, free draining but moisture retentive soil in sun or partial shade.
PruningBest flowers and berries appear on 2nd year wood so prune to allow for future flowering and fruit production. Prune out unwanted growth and proportion of older wood post flowering.
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe and hardwood cuttings. Seed may not come true to cultivar type.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, woolly aphid, caterpillars, brown scale and leaf-mining moths
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to pyracantha scab and honey fungus