Pyracantha coccinea

Pyracantha, Firethorn

Espalier

This evergreen plant can grow as a shrub to about ten feet tall, as shown here, but is most often trained as an espalier, growing to 20 feet tall. It needs a depth of two to three feet to cover a wall. It is remarkably tough, withstanding drought, hot winds, poor soil and beating sun.

Temperature

Hardy to 0F and lower.

Water requirements

Occasional deep irrigation is best. Tolerates moderate but may become chlorotic. Tolerates periods of drought but looks stressed and unattractive.

Sun

Part to full or reflected sun.

Soil

Tolerant but needs good drainage.

Maintenance

Periodic. Constant in summer for clipped plants.

Disadvantages

Subject to iron chlorosis. Sharp thorns make plants difficult to handle. Fire blight and spider mites are its most common and serious afflictions. Sometimes susceptible to Texas root rot.

Bloom

White spring flowers appear in clusters along branches.

Fruit or Seeds

Berries follow bloom, starting out green but turning colors with the cold weather in October or November. Color depends on cultivar.

Uses

Birds eat the fruit, which makes them drunk.

Origin

Member of the Rosaceae family.

Cultivars

'Lalandei' produces orange berries. 'Lowboy' is a dwarf variety, also with orange berries. 'Government Red' has red berries.

Themes

Woodsy, Formal, Informal, Bird.

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