Care of the shrub Pyracantha coccinea or Scarlet firethorn |
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The genus Pyracantha, family Rosaceae, includes 7 species of shrubs native to Asia and southern Europe. Some species are: Pyracantha coccinea, Pyracantha angustifolia, Pyracantha crenulata. Common names: Scarlet firethorn, Red firethorn. They are highly branched evergreen shrubs with thorns that reach little more than 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. The leaves are leathery, alternate, bright green and oval or oblong in shape. The abundant small white or cream flowers appear in corymbs. They bloom in spring. The decorative fruits are red or orange. They are used to form hedges and screens, in bushy groups and as isolated specimens. They are ideal for cities due to their resistance to pollution. Pyracantha coccinea needs full sun or light shade exposure. It resists well the frosts and the intense heat of the Mediterranean summer. They grow in any type of soil but prefer that they be lightly clayey and contain abundant humus. Water abundantly in summer and reduce watering the rest of the year. They do not resist drought. Compost before planting and every year in autumn. They can be pruned in late winter to control their growth and keep them compact especially if they are grown as hedges. They are shrubs very resistant to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated from seed sown in the nursery in spring and by cuttings in late summer (use rooting hormones). |
Images of the shrub Pyracantha coccinea or Scarlet firethorn |
 Pyracantha coccinea  Pyracantha coccinea  Pyracantha coccinea  Pyracantha coccinea  Pyracantha coccinea  Pyracantha coccinea |