Pyracantha coccinea

 

  Firethorn

  Family: Rosaceae

  Origin: Southern China

Hardiness: Hardy in Zones 7, 8, 9 and 10
Growth: Fast growth to 10 feet
Form: Long upright branches with sharp thorns
Leaves: Glossy green, oval leaves up to 2 inches long
Flowers: Masses of fragrant, cream white flowers in spring
Fruit or Seeds: Orange to red berries in the fall to early winter
Exposure: Full sun
Water: Deep water monthly; let dry between waterings
Soil: Well drained soil
Fertilizer: Fertilize in spring or fall with a complete fertilizer
Prune: Shorten or remove branches to control size and shape
Problems: Fireblight, woolly aphids, scale, spider mites

Popular plant because of colorful berries. Select plants in the fall to get the color you want. Sheared plants may need clipping weekly. Choose compact varieties for foundation plantings and for small beds, prostrate varieties for ground covers. Good for espaliers.

© 1997 by Jim Clatfelter.         Go to Garden California Home Page

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