Scarlet Firethorn
Pyracantha coccinea
Also known as
Firethorn, Buisson Ardent, Egyptian Thorn, Everlasting Thorn, Fire Bush
Brosen pyracantha coccinea1 by Brosen (CC BY 2.5)
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
8a
USDA zone
-12°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
3m | Max | 2.5m |
1m | Min | 1m |
5 to reach maturity
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter


More images of Scarlet Firethorn
Scarlet Firethorn Overview
Pyracantha coccinea is a bushy, upright, evergreen shrub or small tree with dark green leaves and spiny stems. Tiny, creamy-white flowers appear in May, followed by clusters of bright red berries which remain well into winter. Also known by the names Scarlet Firethorn and Buisson Ardent. This plant provides year-round interest and as it is extremely 'prickly', it's a popular choice for hedges and screening around garden boundaries that acts as a useful intruder deterrent! Easy to grow in most moist, well-drained soils and tolerant of partial shade and pollution, it only needs light pruning. Plant it in a position with shelter from cold, drying winds. Pyracantha coccinea berries are a good source of winter food for birds. Many cultivars have been developed for garden use from this species.
Common problems with Scarlet Firethorn
How to propagate Scarlet Firethorn
Cuttings
Semi-hardwood from late spring to summer.
Seed
Special features of Scarlet Firethorn
Attractive flowers
Attractive leaves
Attracts bees
Attracts useful insects
Attracts birds
Hedge plant
Other uses of Scarlet Firethorn
Hedging, ornamental, fruit, fragrance, wall or trellis. Suitable for coastal conditions.