Firethorn.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Evergreen shrub

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

Bright indirect

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

10 to 15 feet

Growth rate

Fast

Hardiness

USDA 6 to 9

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Care

Plant this shrub in a spot with good drainage to keep the roots happy. Watch for yellowing leaves which might signal poor drainage or pests. Prune it back after flowering to keep its shape and encourage more berries.

Watering

Water deeply once the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.

Feeding

Apply a balanced fertilizer once in early spring before new growth starts.

Pruning

Trim back branches in late spring after the flowers fade to maintain your desired shape.

Repotting

If growing in a container, move to a larger pot every few years when it becomes root bound.

Soil

Well draining loamy soil

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.5

Temperature

-20 to 35°C

Humidity

40 to 70%

Safety

People

The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides which can be toxic if ingested in significant amounts.

Pets

The berries can cause mild stomach upset if ingested by cats or dogs.

Children

Keep children away from the sharp thorns and avoid planting where they play to prevent injury.

Contact allergens

The stiff, sharp thorns can cause puncture wounds and skin irritation.

Airborne allergens

The flowers may cause mild respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals during peak bloom.

Edibility

The berries are technically edible but are often bitter and can cause stomach upset if consumed in large quantities.

How to identify it

• Glossy dark green evergreen leaves
• Clusters of bright red or orange berries
• Sharp thorns along woody stems
• Small white flowers in spring

Height

2 to 4m

Spread

2 to 4m

Leaves

dark green, evergreen

Flowers

white, 0.5 to 1cm

Fruit

bright red, orange, Autumn to winter

Problems to watch for

• AphidsCommon
• Fire BlightCommon
• Leaf SpotUncommon
• Powdery MildewUncommon
• Scale InsectsUncommon

Growing it

Propagation

cuttings, seed

When to plant

spring, autumn

Pair this shrub with other drought tolerant plants that enjoy full sun to create a low maintenance border.

Grows well with

• Lavender · They share similar sun and drainage requirements.
• Rosemary · This herb thrives in the same dry, sunny conditions.

Similar species

• Cotoneaster · They share similar berry habits and wildlife benefits.

Science

Family

Rosaceae

Genus

Pyracantha

Order

Rosales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Southern Europe to Western Asia

Conservation

This plant is not of conservation concern and is widely naturalized in many regions.

This shrub thrives in sunny, well drained sites and provides essential winter forage for birds in its native range.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, winter food for birds, dense nesting cover

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Uses

ornamental hedge, security barrier, wildlife garden, espalier

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need pruning?

Yes, prune lightly in late spring after flowering to maintain shape, and in late summer shorten new shoots to show off the berries.

Is it drought tolerant?

Once established, it is quite hardy and handles dry spells well.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Pyracantha is derived from the Greek words pyr meaning fire and akantha meaning thorn, referring to the bright red berries and sharp spines. The species name coccinea means scarlet, describing the color of the fruit.

Good to know

• The name comes from the Greek words for fire and thorn.
• It is often used as a security hedge to deter intruders.
• Birds love the berries once they have been softened by the first frost.

Also in

• Plants toxic to cats and dogs