Pyracantha or Fire Thorn
Pyracantha species (ROSACEAE)
Planting and Growing Pyracantha
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow pyracantha or fire thorn in the accompanying table’s tabs:
-
- Flowers, foliage, and berries of pyracantha or fire thorn
- Growing conditions for pyracantha or fire thorn
- When and where to plant pyracantha or fire thorn
- How to plant pyracantha or fire thorn
- How to shape, prune and control growth of pyracantha or fire thorn
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of pyracantha or fire thorn
- Landscape uses of pyracantha or fire thorn
- Pest and disease control for pyracantha or fire thorn
Growing Pyracantha
About six species of medium-growing, upright or spreading, dense, thorny, evergreen shrubs, 6–20 ft. (1.8–6 m) tall, depending on species, with shiny or leathery, green, lance-shaped leaves, 3/4–4‑in. (19–100 mm) long.
Common species include scarlet firethorn, Pyracantha coccinea; broad-leaf firethorn, Pyracantha crenatoserrata; and Formosa firethorn, Pyracantha koidzumii.
Pyracantha Planting and Care Guide
Flowers and Fruit
Many small, white flowers in dense, mounding clusters, in spring, form bright orange, red, or yellow berries in autumn, persisting to winter.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 4–9, depending on species. All species ground hardy, zones 7–9.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist, well-drained soil. Fertility: Average. 6.0–8.0 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Full sun. Space 6–8 ft. (1.8–2.4 m) apart.
Proper Care
Moderate. Keep moist; allow soil surface to dry between waterings until established. Fertilize annually in spring. Prune after bloom, using care to avoid sharp thorns. Propagate by cuttings, grafting, layering, seed.
About This Species
Good choice for accents, barriers, espaliers, ground covers in arid, formal, small-space, wildlife gardens. Best in dry climates. Berries attract birds. Avoid transplanting. Pest resistant. Fireblight, apple scab susceptible.