ShrubsPyracantha coccinea
Firethorn
Firethorn is a vigorous, evergreen shrub that becomes covered in white blossom in May and June and bears spectacular clusters of red, orange, or yellow berries in autumn. The sharp thorns make the plant an excellent security hedge. Birds adore the berries as winter food.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 200–400 cm
- Spread
- 200–400 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 5–9
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Evergreen
- Yes
- Flower colors
- white
- Wildlife value
- birds, bees, butterflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in sun or partial shade in virtually any soil type. Firethorn is robust and adapts to most conditions. Water regularly in the first year; after that, the plant is self-sufficient. Can be used as a free-standing shrub, hedge, or trained against a wall.
Pruning tips
Prune in late spring after flowering. For wall-trained plants, trim side shoots to two or three buds. Avoid heavy pruning in autumn — that reduces berry production. Always wear sturdy gloves because of the sharp thorns.
Good companions
ShrubsCotoneaster horizontalis
Wall Cotoneaster
Wall Cotoneaster is a versatile shrub with a distinctive herringbone branch pattern. Tiny pink flowers appear in June attracting bees, followed by masses of bright red berries in autumn. The small leaves turn a beautiful red before falling.
TreesIlex aquifolium
English Holly
English Holly is a stately, evergreen tree with glossy, spiny dark green leaves that provide a magnificent backdrop in winter. Female specimens bear bright red berries that are indispensable winter food for birds. The tree grows slowly but can live for centuries.
ShrubsChaenomeles speciosa
Japanese Quince
Japanese Quince is among the earliest-flowering shrubs in spring. From February, fiery red, pink, or white flowers can appear on still-bare branches. Later, small, hard quince fruits follow that are edible when cooked. The thorny branches also make the plant suitable as an informal hedge.