PLANTprofile

Pyracantha

By Kathy Jentz

Firethorn (Pyracantha sp.) is an evergreen shrub that is loaded with colorful red or orange berries. This easy-to-grow plant can be pruned into various shapes and used as a hedge, espalier, bonsai, or landscape specimen. The best time to prune Firethorn is late winter or very early spring, to avoid having an impact on the number of berries you will get later in the growing season. Depending on the variety of Firethorn that you select, it is generally hardy to Zones 5 to 8 and can grow up to 10 feet wide and high. You can shear it annually to contain the size. The ‘Mojave’ cultivar was developed right here in DC at the U.S. National Arboretum and is very heat-tolerant. It is also considered to be reliably deer-resistant. Firethorn prefers full sun, but will tolerate part sun. It likes well-drained, sandy soils and is drought-tolerant once established. Pick your planting location carefully because it does not like to be moved or transplanted. Firethorn can be propagated by taking cuttings in the summertime. It is in the rose family and has sharp thorns that make it useful as a natural security barrier. Birds and small mammals like to hide inside Firethorn and build nests in them, because it provides excellent protection from large predators. Birds love to eat the long-lasting berries as well. This plant is originally from Eurasia and is sometimes mistaken for Cotoneaster, which is thornless. o

Kathy Jentz is the editor and founder of Washington Gardener.