How to propagate Pyracantha by cuttings (step by step with pictures)

Firethorn (Pyracantha) is an excellent shrub. In this article I will show you step by step how to propagate Pyracantha by cuttings. In my opinion this is the easiest way although it is also possible to propagate it by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings.

Firethorn is widely used to grow over a fence or make an hedge. The fact that it has thorns means that a dense hedge of this plant provides additional protection to your property.

In addition to this quality, it is a beautiful shrub with interest almost all year round.

In the spring, bunches of white flowers appear, which are a source of food for insects.

After the flowers, the fruits grow during the summer, which fully ripen in the autumn and persist in the plant until winter.

The bunches of berries can have different colors, depending on the variety grown, they can be red, orange or yellow. Any of the colors is spectacular.
These fruits serve as food for birds at a time of year when they do not have as much food available. This plant is one of our choices in the list of the best autumn color shrubs.

It can also be trained in pyramid or other forms of topiary. It is a very versatile plant! In my opinion pyracantha is a plant that is undervalued.

Now, let’s go to our step by step guide.

Hardwood cuttings are obtained from mature branches at the end of the growing season, that is, during autumn or winter.

In this article

Prepare the pot

First I prepared a pot with compost mixed with sand. One of the most important factors, regardless of the type of cuttings we are making, is good drainage.
Soil that retains excess water will cause the cuttings to rot.

You can use a pot, tray or other container that is most convenient for you.

Prepare soil including coarse sand to improve drainage

How to take the cuttings

I chose a long branch that will allow me to divide it into several pieces.

With scissors, I cut each segment immediately below a leaf node. It is at this point that the roots will grow.

With a knife I removed the buds and thorns above that point and left only the buds and leaves of the last node. Incisions made at these points will also gain callus and possibly take root as well.

Plant the cuttings

I put the cuttings around the pot, leaving only the last section above the compost.

Then, I watered well and put it in a place sheltered from direct sun and wind. You can place it next to a wall or other taller plants that provide some shelter.

Plant the firethorn (pyracantha) cuttings in the pot

One year later, did the cuttings rooted?

The cuttings grown some new leaves. But the most important thing at this stage is that they have developed good roots.

Looking at the bottom of the pot, I can see roots coming out of the drain holes. They are rooted and ready to be separated to grow individually.

We can see the roots coming out of the drain holes

I carefully removed the cuttings and separated them one by one. A small stick may be needed to untangle the roots.

Separate and plant individually

Of the 10 stakes take, all rooted, 100% successful. Pyracantha is a very easy plant to propagate by cuttings.

Now, just follow the normal process of planting individually. I will grow them for some time in cultivation pots before they are in good size to plant in the final place.

I filled some soil at the bottom of each pot and placed it one by one. Then I added more soil so that each plant is buried to the point where it was initially.