40/60cm Pot Grown Firethorn
(Pyracantha)

Though mainly known for its spiny shrub, the Pyracantha is also well-known for the shiny, deep red berries that burst through in Autumn, along with a sprinkling of delicate creamy-white coloured flowers in May/June time. It is amazingly eye-catching year-round. The berries are flowers attract many species of wildlife, including insects and birds, as they are both seen as an ideal food source.

That in mind, you should ensure you prune right after flowering to expose any spent flowers to sunshine, which will turn to berries in the colder months.

The Pyracantha Red Berries is quite the tough and hardy plant, which can grow rather quickly at a rate of approximately 50cm per annum. This makes it ideal if you are wanting to add some security or privacy to your garden.

This 40/60cm potted Firethorn plant is fast-growing and can exceed 2.5m tall in good conditions.

The Pyracantha Red Berries is easy to grow in pretty much any type of soil and is best placed in sunny or shady sites. However, it is important to notice that this plant will not tolerate seaside gardens, very windy sites, or a dense shade.

• Growth height: Fast (40-60cm per year)
• Ideal height: 2.5m+ Tall
• Soil Type: Normal
• Exposure: Exposed, Inland
• Aspect: Semi-shade, Sun
• Evergreen foliage? Yes

As it is pot grown, you can easily leave the plant to in its pot for a few days/weeks before planting it. Just make sure you keep the plant well-watered, and it gets enough sun. Don't leave it for too long, however, as you don't want the roots becoming root bound.

Pruning your Pyracantha Red Berries is not necessarily needed, unless you are wanting to keep it a certain height/shape- which if you are growing it as a hedge, this is usually the case.

When you first plant your Pyracantha, the plant should be left for a couple of years, so that a good root system can establish. Pruning must be done at the right time, because if not, it could easily impact the flowering and fruiting system in the following year.

The best time to do any pruning is at the end of the flowering in the late Spring. You must also ensure you maintain a good airflow around the shrub, as you do not want any diseases getting into your Pyracantha. To ensure this does not happen, make sure the centre does not get overly dense- trim some outer stems away. Do not hard prune- it will make it harder for the plant to recover and be effective/productive.