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Firethorn

Pyracantha coccinea · Rosaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around firethorn and prepare for winter.

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Foliage
Evergreen
Flowering
Spring (May-June), white flowers in corymbs
Fruits
Orange to bright red berries, persistent until winter
Adult size
2 to 3 m in height, 1.5 to 2 m in width
Growth
Fast
Hardiness
Very good, down to -15°C
Origin
Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia
Soil type
Well-drained, undemanding

Care

Exposure

Place your firethorn in full sun, with a minimum of 6 hours per day. A sunny exposure maximizes flowering and fruit coloration. However, it tolerates partial shade, though fruiting will be less abundant.

Watering

Water regularly during the first year after planting. Once established, it's quite drought-resistant. During hot and dry periods, weekly watering is sufficient. Avoid standing water, which promotes fungal diseases.

Soil

Firethorn adapts to most soils, as long as they're well-drained. Improve heavy soil with sand or gravel. Slightly acidic to neutral pH is optimal, but the plant also tolerates alkalinity.

Pruning

Prune lightly after flowering (June-July) to maintain a dense, bushy shape. Remove damaged or tangled branches. Avoid severe pruning, which would reduce fruiting the following autumn.

Fertilizing

A balanced fertilizer application in spring (NPK) is more than sufficient. The plant isn't demanding; excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of fruit. Well-decomposed compost spread on the surface each spring usefully supplements feeding.

Diseases and pests

Firethorn can be affected by fire blight during damp springs. Powdery mildew and canker can also appear under favorable conditions. Maintain good air circulation through regular pruning and avoid excessive foliage moisture. Remove affected branches promptly.

Did you know?

Firethorn gets its common name from its scarlet berries which, in autumn and winter, blaze like embers on the evergreen foliage. In East Asia, birds that feast on these fruits naturally contribute to its spread. The name 'Pyracantha' comes from the Greek 'pyr' (fire) and 'akantha' (thorn), evoking its formidable thorns and flamboyant color.

Where to buy it

Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.