Pyracantha atalantioides
Gibbs' firethorn
A large evergreen shrub to 4m tall, with narrowly elliptic leaves and clusters of small creamy-white flowers in spring, followed by showy orange-red berries
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Red | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit 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
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in fertile soil in sun or partial shade. Best sheltered from cold drying winds
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings from late-spring onwards or propagate by seed. Extract seeds from berries in autumn, sow and keep in cold frame. Seeds need about three months of cold stratification before they germinate.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Hedging and screens
- Wall side borders
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 1. On wall-trained plants after flowering in mid-summer, shorten lateral shoots to 2-3 leaves from the base to expose the developing berries
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, woolly aphid, caterpillars, brown scale and leaf-mining moths
Diseases
May be susceptible to pyracantha scab, honey fungus and fireblight
Get involved
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