Pyracantha
Pyracantha coccinea
Commonly known as firethorn, this vigorous thorny evergreen shrub is grown for its masses of white flowers in early summer and spectacular clusters of orange, red or yellow berries in autumn and winter. An outstanding wall shrub and impenetrable hedging plant. The thorns and dense growth provide excellent nesting habitat for birds. Hardy and reliable throughout the UK in most soils and positions.
How to grow pyracantha
Plant in autumn or spring in any well-drained soil. Pyracantha grows well in full sun or partial shade, including north and east-facing walls where many other shrubs refuse to flower. Extremely tough and adaptable. Water during the first growing season. Once established, it is drought-tolerant. Mulch in spring. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in April. For wall training, fix horizontal wires at 30cm intervals and tie in shoots as they grow. For hedging, plant 60cm apart. Wear thick gloves when handling — the thorns are sharp and can cause skin reactions. Choose disease-resistant cultivars like 'Orange Glow' or 'Saphyr Rouge' to avoid scab problems.
Pruning
Prune wall-trained plants in midsummer, cutting back long new shoots to two or three leaves from the main framework to expose the developing berry clusters. Hedge plants should be trimmed in late spring. Wear stout gloves and eye protection. Hard renovation pruning in spring is tolerated — cut back to the main framework and new growth will follow. Avoid cutting off the berry-bearing side shoots in autumn.
Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
- Hardwood cuttings in late autumn
- Seed in autumn
Common problems
- Pyracantha scab causing dark blotches on berries and leaves
- Fireblight causing blackened shoots
- Woolly aphid
- Sharp thorns require careful siting