Pyracantha

Firethorn
Pyracantha
Type: Evergreen Shrub
Exposure: Sun / Part Shade
Water: Regular

Firethorns, which are evergreen in most places except where the winters are very cold, are commonly used as both a hedge or screen and as a climber, where it’s trained against a wall or a fence. Most are large, sprawling shrubs that can reach 10ft (3m) or more high as well as wide. Their effectiveness as a barrier is thanks to their stiff branches and brutally sharp, needle-like thorns, which render the plant virtually impenetrable as well as very deer resistant. Oval, glossy leaves stay bright the year round, although they are somewhat hidden by the profuse bloom in late spring through mid-summer. The creamy-white flowers are small, 5-petaled blooms that are impressive mostly because of their proliferation. They have a slight fragrance, which some find unpleasant, although I don’t mind it. These produce brightly colored berries, also in massive abundance, which appear in the fall and often persist well into the winter before dropping or being consumed by birds. They compliment autumnal colors nicely, and add a welcome splash of color in winter.

Pruning can be done anytime, but flowers and berries are produced on year-old growth, so try to keep as much of this as possible. Oh, and use heavy gloves when you do prune; the thorns are vicious. Better yet, get someone else to do it.

Firethorns are also available in low growing varieties, as well as those with yellow, orange or red berries. These can be quite effective when grown together, as is the case of the orange and red one in the photos.

Flower photo courtesy of www.horticultureunlimited.com

Cheers,

John