Scarlet Firethorn

Scarlet Firethorn Care

Pyracantha Coccinea

What is the plant

The sprawling pyracantha shrub (Pyracantha coccinea) has several cultivars that produce dark green foliage, white flowers and large, showy clusters of bright red or orange berries. This quick-growing shrub can reach heights of 18 feet when left untended. Pyracantha prefers moist soil and requires occasional pruning to maintain size; otherwise, it needs little care. Pyracantha is considered invasive, though limited, in some parts of California, and is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Part Sun

Hardiness zone

6 - 9

Difficulty

Medium

Toxicity

Poisonous

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Occasional deep watering from early spring to late fall with 1 inch of water per week or more during hot, dry periods of weather provides enough moisture for the shrub. Use a garden hose and water at the soil level. Stop watering during the winter months.
Pruning
Prune pyracantha during the spring after it finishes blooming. Remove any dead or diseased wood at its point of origin. To maintain shape, select wayward or leggy side shoots and cut them back to the first three leaves or cluster of berries. Remove lower branches for a treelike form or leave them in place for a more natural shape. Dispose of the plant tissue, either in the trash or in compost. Pyracantha has sharp thorns, so wear thick gloves while pruning to avoid injuries. Disinfect your pruning shears before making any cuts in a container filled with 1 part bleach and 9 parts water. Let the shears soak for 5 minutes. Rinse them with water and allow them to air dry.
Fertilizer
Annual fertilization when new growth begins in late winter can help boost the growth of your pyracantha shrub. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer such as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 at a rate of 1 tablespoon per foot of height is sufficient for each plant. Broadcast the fertilizer evenly around the base of the plant, avoiding contact with the stem. Rake it into the top 2 inches of the soil and water it in.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
Full sun to part shade.
Soil
Pyracantha shrubs grow in most types of soil but prefer moist and well-drained conditions.
Additional
A few species of pyracantha have toxic berries but the berries of this species and most cultivars sold in nurseries are edible when cooked.