Firethorn (Pyracantha) are perennial shrubs with thorny branches and dark green leaves. In this article we will learn the cultivation details and how to plant Firethorn (Pyracantha).
This shrub produces bunches of white flowers in summer a source of food for polinators. The flowers are followed by showy yellow, orange or red berries depending on the cultivar. In fact, it is for the autumnal beauty of its berries that this plant is famous for. Its bright fruits persist until winter and are a source of food for birds.
Pyracantha is on our list of the most beautiful shrubs for autumn color.
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How to plant Firethorn
Pyracantha prefers to be planted in a full sun or slightly shaded position. For best results, plant in a location protected from the wind.
They can be planted in isolation as a stand-alone plant, but are widely used in hedges or against a wall or fence.
The soil must be well drained and firethorns can generally grow up to 4 m in height and 4 m in width.
How to prune Pyracantha
Cut the long shoots after flowering to make the plant compact and keep it growing in the desired direction.
Propagation
Propagation is relatively simple and there are several possible methods.
Propagate by soft or semi-ripe cuttings from mid-summer to early fall. You can also make hardwood cuttings from late autumn to mid-winter. You can make multiple cuttings from a single shoot. In two or three years, they will blossom and bear fruit.
You can also sow seeds in the fall or spring, but this method is less common.
