Firethorn - Pyracantha coccinea - €6 per plant 

Pyracantha is a semi evergreen shrub noted for attracting beneficial wildlife into the garden with attractive flowers and magnificent red, yellow or orange berries in autumn and winter. The berries provide winter forage for many species of birds. The fruits can also be cooked and used for making jams and sauces. Pyracantha can be trained against a wall or fence,  grown as a free standing shrub and also makes an excellent semi-evergreen hedge. The plant develops very long and sharp thorns so should be avoided in gardens with small children.  To order this plant please contact us [email protected]. 

Context

  • native region: S. Europe 
  • native habitat: Woods and hedges
  • family: Rosaceae

Pest and Predators

  • Pyracantha can suffer from the diseases Pyracantha scab and fireblight. It can also be attacked by woolly aphid pests.

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Semi-shade or no shade
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 6  - 9
  • Can grow in very alkaline soils.
  • Watering is required to help the plant establish in its first couple of years after planting. After this establishment period, watering is very seldom required.

Known hazards

  • Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where most, if not all members of the genus produce hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste. It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Overview


  • A semi-evergreen shrub growing to 4 m by 4 m.
  • It is in flower in June. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees.
  • It is noted for attracting wildlife.  
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. 
  • It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.
  • It prefers dry or moist soil.

Characteristics

  • form: medium sized shrub
  • layer : Shrub Layer
  • habit: a multi stemmed semi evergreen shrub.
  • height x width (m): 4 x 4
  • years to bearing fruit: 3-4 years  
  • productive life span:  

Products 

  • Fruit: is edible when cooked and can be used for making jellies, marmalade and sauces
  • Makes a good hedge, once established  the thorny branches can keep out animals 

Functions, behaviors

  • Berrying can be reduced in shady sites, including against north-facing walls. 
  • Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus
  • A very ornamental plant
  • Pyracantha  provides a valuable source of nectar for bees 
  • Good shrub for a wildlife garden, providing dense cover for roosting and nesting birds, summer flowers for bees and an abundance of berries as a food source.
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project