Pyracantha coccinea
scarlet firethorn
An upright to spreading evergreen shrub to more than 3m (10ft) high, with dark green leaves, spiny branches and dense clusters of small white flowers in late spring on the previous year's growth. These are followed by a profusion of bright orange-red berries in autumn
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 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 | |||
| Autumn | Green | Orange Red | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical 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
- Europe, SW Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Suitable for growing in any moderately fertile garden soil, in sun or partial shade, including very dry, free-draining soils, and heavy clays, as long as they are not prone to waterlogging. See pyracantha cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings, or by seed sown in spring, after three months of cold stratification.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Climber and wall shrubs
- Flower borders and beds
- Hedging and screens
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Flowers are produced mainly on stems produced the previous year, so pruning should aim to retain as much two year old growth as possible. Prune out unwanted growth and on mature shrubs, twenty percent of older wood, after flowering has finished each year.
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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