Scarlet Firethorn

The scarlet firethorn is a thorny shrub and not a climbing plant, but it can be espaliered on a façade. It is very ornamental with its white flowers and red berries. It may be planted as a bush to protect the base of a facade or wall against graffiti or trained to an orderly shape with a trellis.

Latin: pyracantha coccinea

Firethorn "Orange Glow" with berry jewels

Needs / Price

Sunny (full sun) or at least full daylight position, however, in semi-shade or full shade produces less or hardly any flowers and fruit. Nutrient-rich and moist soils with good water retention. Distance between two plants: 2.5 - 4 meters. Two cultivars are not available at the moment.

"Orange Glow"
"Red Column"

Characteristics and pruning

Rambler, seldom higher than 4 meters with hanging shoots, that is often grown as a formed tree. Thorny and evergreen. White flowers in June and yellow, orange or red berries in winter depending on the cultivar that will be greatly appreciated by birds. Pruning in winter will promote ramification. Firethorn is subject to fireblight. Firethorn seeds are slightly poisonous.

Growing aids on facades

Rods, grids or wire rope trellises with a large mesh to hold the trunk and bind shoots. Choose a trellis in the table of suitable trellis designs at the bottom of the page, and use the Medium or Simple ranges.