The berries of this tough but beautiful flowering shrub attract birds while its thorns keep deer away.
Pyracanthais a genus of tenacious semi-evergreen or evergreen shrubs that grow well even in challenging planting sites.
It is a rampant grower with invasive potential.
Credit: Edward Gohlich
Where to Plant Pyracantha
Select a location in full sun withwell-drained soil.
In terms of pH, the shrub is quite adaptable.
Because of its fast growth, pyracantha is well-suited for a hedge.
Credit: Edward Gohlich
Its thorns repel animal intruders.
The fruits are dispersed by birds.
In northern locations, the plant has less invasive potential but it should still be planted with caution.
Credit: Edward Gohlich
If berry color is important, buy plants when they have fruit.
Sometimes plant tags don’t accurately represent fruit color.
Always wear long, sturdy gloves when planting or handling pyracantha to protect yourself against the thorns.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Dig a hole at least twice the size of the root ball and just as deep.
Tamp down the soil and water it well.
Water it deeply and regularly during the first growing season.
If planting specimens, space them 5 to 10 feet apart.
Pyracantha Care Tips
Pyracantha is an easy-to-grow shrub that does not usually require much care.
Growing it as a hedge or espalier requires a little more effort.
Light
Pyracantha grows best infull sunto part shade.
Too much shade will result in fewer berries.
Soil and Water
Pyracantha grows in a variety of soils as long as there is excellent drainage.
ThepHcan be anywhere between 5.5 and 7.5.
Avoid planting pyracantha in highly fertile soil.
They are generally not affected by high humidity.
Pruning
Pyracantha only produces flowers and fruit on stems that are at least one year old.
Keep this in mind when pruning and leave some of the old growth standing each year.
Potting and Repotting Pyracantha
The shrub can be grown in containers but does not transplant well.
Fill it with well-draining potting mix and verify it has large drainage holes.
Keep in mind that potted plants need more frequent watering than plants in the landscape.
Pests and Problems
Pyracantha is susceptible to two serious problems.
Scab causes plants to drop their leaves and turns fruit a dark, sooty color.
Choosing disease-resistant varieties is the best line of defense against these problems.
In the summer, take a 6-inch semi-hardwood cutting and remove all the leaves from its lower end.
Keep the cutting moist in a moderately warm location in bright light and away from intense sunlight.
When you see new growth, roots have formed.
It produces white flowers in summer and reddish-orange berries in fall.
It is less hardy thanPyracantha coccinea.
It grows 8 to 12 feet tall and wide.
It grows 8 to 10 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide.
Updated by Nadia Hassani
“Are Pyracantha Berries Poisonous?
“National Capital Poison Center.
