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Bright red berry clusters of Firethorn against dark green evergreen foliageShrubs

Pyracantha coccinea

Firethorn

firethornevergreen hedgebird berriessecurity hedgeberry shrub

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.

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After

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

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

Wall cotoneaster with bright red autumn berries against a wallShrubs

Cotoneaster 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.

Full sunLow50–100 cm
English holly with glossy dark green spiny leaves and red berriesTrees

Ilex 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.

Partial shadeMedium500–1500 cm
Fiery red flowers of Japanese Quince on bare spring branchesShrubs

Chaenomeles 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.

Full sunMedium100–200 cm