Scarlet firethorn (*Pyracantha coccinea*) is a semi-evergreen shrub featuring spiky branches that are covered abundantly by clustered white flowers, which contrast attractively with its lustrous, deep green foliage. It also bears vibrant crimson berries which are devoured by birds.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Pyracantha coccinea, the scarlet firethorn, is the European species of firethorn or red firethorn that has been cultivated in gardens since the late 16th century.
From the genus name, *Pyracantha coccinea*, “Pyr” means “fire” in Greek, while “Akantha” means “thorn” in English, which apparently refers to the plant’s thorny stems and crimson fruits.
The tree has small white flowers. It produces small, bright red berries. Its leaves are slightly toothed and grow opposite to one another. The fruit is bitter and astringent, making it inedible when raw. It ranges from southern Europe to western Asia. It has been introduced to North America and cultivated there as an ornamental plant since the 18th century.
As a member of the rose family, the firethorn shrub has thorns similar to those found on a rose bush. These shrubs can be planted in the spring or fall and are very fast growers. They are evergreen in warm climates and semi-evergreen in colder climates.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Firethorn can be grown in full or partial sun. However, those grown in full sun will produce more berries than those grown in partial sun.
Temperature and Humidity
Firethorn is a hardy shrub and can handle a wide range of temperatures and climates, from freezing cold to high heat. They can be grown in zones 6 to 9 and add interest to the garden year-round.
Watering
The firethorn does not require large amounts of water, though young plants will appreciate supplemental water as they establish. Water these shrubs weekly with a deep watering. Once these shrubs are established, they are drought-resistant and should not require supplemental water unless they are experiencing a very dry, hot period.
Soil
The firethorn shrub is not very particular when it comes to soil types, but it does best in sandy, well-draining soils. It is tolerant of a wide range of pH levels.
Fertilizing
These low-maintenance shrubs do not require much fertilizing. Adding a light, well-balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring is all that is needed.
Pruning
Light pruning once a year will help keep the firethorn thick, bushy, and healthy. It is best to do this after blooming to avoid removing any buds. Heavy pruning can compromise production of blooms in the following year, since flowers develop on the previous year’s growth. If you must heavily prune this shrub, it is best to do it at the end of winter.
Propagation
Propagating firethorn through cuttings is very easy. It is best to do this in the summer with semi-hardwood cuttings. You will need sharp garden snips, a small pot, well-draining soil, rooting hormone, a plastic bag, and a rubber band. Then follow these instructions:
- Using clean, sharp garden snips, cut a stem that is around 6 inches long.
- Remove all the leaves on the lower end of the cutting, leaving only those at the top.
- Dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Shake off the excess powder.
- Gently bury the cut end into moist, well-draining soil.
- Place a plastic bag over the cutting to help retain moisture. Secure it around the pot with a rubber band.
- Place the cutting in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
- Roots should form in around six to eight weeks. Gently tug on the cutting to check for resistance. If there is resistance, roots have formed. When this occurs, remove the plastic bag.
How to Grow from Seed
Firethorn can also be easily started from seed. Here is how:
- When berries ripen in the fall, collect a few and remove the berry flesh.
- Plant the seeds immediately into small pots containing moist soil. Cover them lightly.
- Place a plastic bag over the pot to keep in moisture. Then place the pots into the refrigerator for around 3 months to cold stratify the seeds.
- Check the soil periodically to maintain its moisture. Water when needed.
- After three months, remove the pots from the refrigerator and remove the plastic bag. Place them in a warm area with bright, indirect lighting. Germination should occur in one to two weeks.
- Once the threat of frost is gone, plant the seedlings outdoors.
Potting and Repotting
Firethorn grows well in containers but does not handle transplanting very well. Therefore, it is best to select a large pot to accommodate this shrub’s rapid growth and minimize the need to repot. Be sure to choose a pot with good drainage.
To pot this shrub, gently remove the firethorn from its container by tipping it on its side and tapping the outside of the pot to loosen the roots. Be sure to wear gloves to avoid injury from the thorns. Once the roots are loosened, slide the shrub out and place it into its new pot with well-draining, sandy soil. Bury the shrub to the top of the root line, as it was in its previous container.
Overwintering
The firethorn displays its evergreen leaves and vibrant berries all winter long without much additional care. Because they are designed to withstand cold temperatures, simply add a layer of mulch around the plant to help insulate the roots and enjoy the firethorn’s vibrant display.
Pests and Diseases
Firethorn is a hardy plant, although it is prone to both fire blight and scab. Let’s take a look at these common issues, what to look out for, and how to treat them.
Pyracantha Scab
Scab is a fungal disease that disfigures the fruits, leaves, and blooms of Pyracantha species, making them dark and scabby in appearance. If this fungus attacks a firethorn shrub, it is best to remove all infected areas, if possible. Collect, remove, and burn any fallen leaves to prevent reinfection. Spray the plant with an anti-fungal spray to treat the source of the infection.
Fireblight
Fireblight is a bacterial infection that usually affects growth in the spring. It easily spreads from plant to plant. Signs include sudden wilting, browning, and blackening of growth. This makes the plant appear as if it were burned with fire. Infected areas must be removed and destroyed to prevent this bacterial infection from killing the plant. The plant can also be sprayed with an antibiotic.
How to Get to Bloom
Firethorn produces small, white flowers in the spring and summer months which then turn into its famous red berries in the fall and winter. Though delicate and pretty to look at, the white flowers have an unpleasant aroma.
No deadheading is required, but if the shrub requires pruning, it is best done after blooming. Provide this shrub with full sun to encourage more blooming.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Ornamental uses
Scarlet firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea) is a popular shrub that offers plenty of interest to ornamental gardens with evergreen leaves, white flowers, and abundant orange-red berries. This year-round display and its dense growth make this a very rewarding hedging plant as well as a specimen plant in cottage gardens. Some great compliments include monkshood, spear grass, and stonecrop.
- Culinary uses
The fruit can be cooked to make jellies, jams, sauces and marmalade.
