About
Pyracantha rogersiana, the Asian firethorn, is a large, vigorous, spiny, evergreen shrub of arching habit with glossy, narrowly oblong leaves up to 4 cm long. Clusters of small, creamy-white flowers are followed by a profusion of orange-red berries in autumn. An ornamental and rewarding 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
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toSW 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
PruningPruning 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