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.