Pyracantha
Pyracantha, also known as Gnome Firethorn, is a large, broadleaf evergreen shrub.. It has narrow, deep green leaves in summer. They become tinged with burgundy in the winter.
Domed clusters of single, white flowers appear on spurs in the late spring on the previous year's wood. The flowers develop into tight clusters of pea-sized orange berries by late summer. The berries persist well into winter.
It is named "firethorn" for the many fierce thorns found on the rigid branches and at the ends of the leaf clusters. Firethorn grows best in full sun, but will tolerate some shade.
Pyracantha
Pyracantha, also known as Gnome Firethorn, is a large, broadleaf evergreen shrub.. It has narrow, deep green leaves in summer. They become tinged with burgundy in the winter.
Domed clusters of single, white flowers appear on spurs in the late spring on the previous year's wood. The flowers develop into tight clusters of pea-sized orange berries by late summer. The berries persist well into winter.
It is named "firethorn" for the many fierce thorns found on the rigid branches and at the ends of the leaf clusters. Firethorn grows best in full sun, but will tolerate some shade.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Pyracantha coccinea 'Gnome'
Pronunciation
py-ra-KAN-tha an-gus-tee-FOH-lee-uh
Mature Height
4 to 8 ft.
Mature Spread
4 to 8 ft.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
white
Bloom time
May to June
Colorado Native
No
Natural Habitat
Europe
Light Requirements
sun, part shade
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 5-9
Elevation Limit
hardy to 6,000 ft.
Performance
At the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, firethorn has been growing for many years. It is a formidable, tangled shrub with stiff, thorny branches. In summer, it serves as a deep green background for foreground plants. In fall it is bright with orange berries. In winter it provides nice color in the garden, with its semi-evergreen leaves and orange berries.
Maintenance
Consistent pruning each year will simplify the task of maintaining this extremely dense thorny plant.