About
A vigorous, bushy evergreen shrub with oval, dark green leaves and spiny stems. In early summer clusters of small white flowers are produced followed by long lasting red 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, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 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 fertile, well drained soil in full sun or partial shade. In frost prone or exposed locations protect young plants while they establish.
PruningPyracantha flowers mainly on shoots produced the previous year, so when pruning try to retain as much two-year-old wood as possible. Wear thick gloves when pruning; as its common name (Firethorn) suggests, Pyracantha bears long and very sharp thorns.
PropagationPropagate from semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings, or alternatively from seed. Pyracantha seed requires three months of cold stratification in order to germinate. Cultivars won't usually come true from seed
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