About

An upright, evergreen shrub with glossy, narrow leaves and corymbs of white flowers in early summer, followed by orange-yellow 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 pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, 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

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