Plant Type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Shrub

 

Height Range

1-3', 3-6', 6-12'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

Orange, Red, Yellow

 

Fruit Season

Fall

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees, Invasive, Thorns/Spines

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Erosion Control, Hedge, Screen, Fire Resistant, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Pyracantha are fast-growing, evergreen shrubs that range in size from large, upright, arching, mounding masses to lower-growing, creeping, suckering groundcovers. All have clusters of fragrant white, spring flowers that mass in clusters along the ends of the previous years branches. Blossoms are followed by berries that ripen in the fall, and depending on the variety, are in shades of red to orange, to yellow. Leaves are small, dark green, glossy, and evergreen. The branches are populated with stiff, sharp thorns. It provides year-long interest to the shrub border, but I'd plant it where you don't have to get too close. The branches with either the flowers or berries, however, are striking in vases.

Grow in well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. Is indifferent to soil types, growing in sandy to clay soils and everything in between. Is also tolerant of both acidic and alkaline soils. Drought tolerant once established. It may be pruned selectively or to renovate, also well suited to espallier. It will sucker and spread, so place accordingly. Thorns make maintenance something to be dreaded, but on the flip side, it is a very effective barrier. Fire resistant.