Pyracantha

( pye - ruh - KAN - thuh )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Firethorn, this genus of evergreen shrubs includes species which need full sun and moderate water to perform well in the landscape. They are native to a region that spans from southwestern Europe east across Asia to southeast Asia, China, and Taiwan. Their bright red berries attract birds. These shrubs are most often seen as hedges, screens, and espaliers, but can also take groundcover and sprawling forms. Leaves are glossy and green, and small flowers bloom in springtime. Almost all species have sharp thorns. Berries stay on the plant for a long season from summer through early winter. Use these showy shrubs as security barriers for their sharp thorns, as privacy screening, or simply as a wildlife food source. Take care when planting these shrubs in the landscape, as ingestion of large quantities of berries can cause stomach upset in humans and pets.

Pyracantha Species and Varietals

The genus Pyracantha includes seven species and is a member of the plant family Rosaceae. Pyracantha species are closely related to those in Cotoneaster, Crataegus (Hawthorn), and Photinia. The genus name is derived from the Greek words for fire (pyr) and thorn (akanthos), and it was first described and defined by botanist Max Joseph Roemer.. Firethorn growing zones vary depending on the species; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Pyracantha angustifolia (Narrowleaf Firethorn, Slender Firethorn, Woolly Firethorn, Orange Firethorn, Zhǎi Yè Huǒ Jí, 窄叶火棘)
This species is best in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 or Sunset growing zones 3-24 and is native to China. It reaches 8-10 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide at maturity and has bright orange-red berries that follow white blooms. Foliage is green and stems and branches have sharp spines. Cultivars of this species include 'Gnome' (dense, cold hardy to 4-6 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide) and 'Yukon Belle' (also called 'Monon', hardy to 8 to 10 feet tall). This species is considered invasive in California, Hawai'i, Australia, South Africa and Argentina.

Pyracantha coccinea (Scarlet Firethorn, Red Firethorn, Fire Bush)
This species is best in USDA hardiness zones 6-9 or Sunset growing zones 3-24 and is native to the eastern Mediterranean regions. It has a rounded growth habit, reaching 8-10 feet tall wide. Fruit is red-orange. This species is considered invasive in California, Texas, Georgia, and Florida in the United States. Varieties are more popular than the straight species; some are listed and described below:

'Kasan'
8-10 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide, with long-lasting bright orange-red fruit.

'Lowboy'
2-3 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide. Orange berries.

'Red Cushion'
3 feet tall and 4 feet wide, with reddish-orange berries.

'Rutgers'
3 feet tall and 5 feet wide, with orange berries and good resistance to disease.

Pyracantha crenatoserrata (Pyracantha fortuneana, Pyracantha yunnanensis) (Chinese Firethorn, Yunnan Firethorn)
This species is native to China and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7-10 or Sunset growing zones 4-24 and reaches 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide at maturity. It makes a great espalier subject; limbs are very malleable. Pale orange to coral berries last through the winter months. Variety 'Graberi' reaches 10-12 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide and has big clusters of dark red fruits. This species is considered invasive in southeastern Australia, regions of New Zealand, and areas of the United States.

Pyracantha crenulata (Nepalese Firethorn, Nepal Firethorn, Himalayan Firethorn, Nepalese White Firethorn)
These shrubs are native to an area that spans from Pakistan to China. They are deciduous, bushy, branching, and very thorny shrubs. Bark is dark brown and leaves are green. Flowers are white and bloom from April through May. Individual plants can reach up to between 7 and 10 feet tall at maturity. Nepalese Firethorn is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 7-10 and is considered invasive in California and Georgia in the United States as well as Australia.

Pyracantha spp. Hybrids (Hybrid Pyracantha, Hybrid Firethorn)
This group was bred for its resiliencies and tolerances as well as shape and size and flower, foliage, and fruit characteristics. Hybrid Pyracantha is considered invasive in Hawai'i, California, and Georgia in the Untied States as well as regions of Australia. Cultivars are listed and described below:

'Mohave'
This variety grows well in USDA zones 6-9 and reaches 12 feet tall and wide, with large orange-red berries that last for a long season.

'Red Elf'
It is a low-grower that reaches 2 feet tall and just as wide. Berries are bright red. Good for containers. USDA zones 7-9.

'Silver Lining'
This variety reaches 3 feet tall and wide, growing best in USDA zones 6-9. Leaves are green with white edges.

'Teton'
Grows well in USDA zones 6-9; upright to 12 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide. Berries are yellow-orange.

Pyracantha koldzumii (Formosa Firethorn, Taiwan Firethorn, Formosan Firethorn, Zhuang-Yuan-Hong, 狀元紅, Taitung Firethorn, 臺東火刺木)
This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7-10 or Sunset growing zones 4-24 and is native to eastern regions and lowlands of Taiwan. These plants have a loose growing habit, reaching 8-12 feet tall and wide at maturity. Varieties listed below are more commonly grown than the straight species.

'Santa Cruz'
('Santa Cruz Prostrate')
6 feet tall and 10 feet wide, but can be kept more compact (around 3 feet tall). Good for groundcover.

'Victory'
8-10 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide, with dark red berries that stay on the plant for a long period of time.

Caring for Pyracantha

Take care when planting these shrubs in the landscape, as ingestion of large quantities of berries can cause stomach upset in humans and pets. It is a good idea to wear gloves when pruning or working around Pyracantha shrubs, as many species have sharp thorns. Grow Pyracantha shrubs in full sun to partial shade; these shrubs are happiest when they receive 6 or more hours of sun per day, and will leaf and produce profuse berries at this exposure. Space shrubs 2 to 3 feet apart for screening or hedges, and 5 to 10 feet apart as standalone shrubs. When espaliered, they are typically planted 3 to 5 feet apart. These shrubs prefer soil to be well-draining and rich with organic matter with a pH of between 5.5 and 7.5. If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly, especially during the first year as the root system is getting established. Pyracantha is relatively drought-tolerant at maturity, but does benefit from deep waterings during dry periods of the year.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. If used as a groundcover or shrub, Firethorn is happier if allowed to grow naturally, and does not need much in the way of pruning. For upright shrubs, simply prune to remove wayward, damaged, diseased, or dead branches; hard prunings will reduce fruit. For wide-spreading groundcovers, plant 4-5 feet apart. The best time to prune Pyracantha shrubs is in late wintertime or early springtime before new growth emerges for the year. It is not recommended to shear these shrubs, as it will reduce berry production and shorten the life span of these shrubs in the landscape. Pyracantha can survive in the landscape for 20 to 30 years or more before needing to be replaced if properly cared for.

Propagation

Pyracantha shrubs can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your shrub, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Pyracantha by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with sand. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In early fall, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 5-6 inch semi-hardwood portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Propagating Pyracantha by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, an abrasive surface or knife, a sealable bag or container, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seeds are contained inside of the fruits on the shrub, often red or orange, and need to be removed before planting. Using an abrasive surface or a knife, cut the fruit and remove the seed from the inside. Rinse the seeds and set them aside to dry.
Pyracantha seeds need a cold-stratification treatment to germinate. Place your seeds in a sealable bag or other container with moistened peat moss, and place the container in the refrigerator for at least three months. After the cold stratification period has passed, remove your seeds and set them out to dry.
Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots.. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, for about a year. After 12 months, the propagated shrub will be strong enough to be planted out in the garden.

Pyracantha seeds are contained inside the berries produced by the shrub. There are typically five seeds per berry.

Pyracantha seeds are tiny, angular, and nut-like, resembling miniature Brazil Nuts.

Problems and Pests

Certain Pyracantha species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Firethorn shrubs are susceptible to the following issues: