January's Flower of the Month

Firethorn

(Pyracantha coccinea)

When I first married Amiable Spouse and decided to share his house in old Valparaiso, I became part owner of more than just his house. I also became part owner of his landscape, including, among other things, a mature pyracantha (Pyracantha coccinea). It grew about 12 feet tall and spread out to at least 10 feet. In spring it was virtually shrouded with clusters of tiny flowers. In fall and winter the berries turned bright orange-red. The resident mockingbird nested deep within it and chased away all other birds who attempted to steal some of the fruit. 

Amiable Spouse never watered it. It was never fertilized to my knowledge. It was far enough away from the house and pedestrian pathways that no one paid it any mind—that is, until I came along. I thought it needed a bit of shaping, so I began pruning it. Then I decided that I’d like some other plants in the same, sunny area, so I placed an irrigation device near it so that it and the other flowers would be watered regularly. 

With these improved conditions, it began to throw out long, vigorous, succulent growth. That, of course, required even more pruning. Every time I pruned the shrub, it lost favor with me, for I was usually stabbed by a few vicious thorns.

One day I noticed that one of the new branches was dying at the tip. It hung down in a sort of shepherd’s crook. Other branches began exhibiting the same symptoms. Before long, the pyracantha was dead. It had fallen victim to fireblight. 

Later I realized that Amiable Spouse was giving it exactly the care that it needed. That, of course, was to plant it in sandy, infertile soil in full sun and leave it to its own devices. I’m sure that he or someone else watered it until it became established. For years, though, it had flourished with no help from anyone. 

With care similar to that provided by Amiable Spouse, pyracantha is a carefree addition to the garden. Its most serious diseases are fireblight and scab. Plants may also be affected by twig blight, leaf blight, and root rot. Insects such as aphids, lace bugs, and scales may be problematic. I don’t think that any of these maladies affected John’s pyracantha. If they did, it recovered and nobody was any wiser. 

Firethorn is popular for espaliers on walls and trellises, and it is sometimes chosen as an informal hedge or barrier plant. Colorful fruit is its most outstanding attribute. Fruit can be made into an excellent jelly, and berries are attractive to some birds.  

Several cultivars of Pyracantha coccinea are available. In addition, there are at least four other species which include narrowleaf firethorn (P. angustifolia), Chinese firethorn (P. fortuneana), Formosa firethorn (P. koidzummi), and Nepalese white thorn (P. crenulata). Crosses between these species have resulted in many cultivars, some of which are more disease resistant than either parent.  

The pyracanthas that I enjoy most are ones that are planted on city property. They are in parks or at waterside locations where they have ample room to grow. Pruning is not necessary, and they make handsome specimen shrubs to enjoy as you drive or walk past them. However, with careful selection and placement, you may find a pyracantha that is perfect for your property. When you do, plant it, water it until it becomes established, and then leave it alone. It will reward you with years of carefree beauty.

 Disease Resistant Cultivars of Pyracantha

            Cultivar            Size: Feet Tall / Wide                Fruit

            ‘Apache’                      4- 5 / 6                         bright red

            ‘Fiery Cascade’            8 / 9                             abundant small red

            ‘Mohave’                     14 / 16                         bright orange turning to red

            ‘Navaho’                      6 / 7.5                          rich orange-red

            ‘Pueblo’                       6-7 / 12                        orange-red

            ‘Rutgers’                      3 / 9                             abundant orange-red

            ‘Shawnee’                    9 / 10                           clear yellow to light orange

            ‘Teton’                         16 / 9                           yellow-orange     

 At a Glance

Firethorn

Pyracantha coccinea

py-ra-KAN-tha kok-SIN-ee-uh

Common name/s: Scarlet firethorn, pyracantha

Hardiness: Zones 5-9

Salt tolerance: Moderate

Family: Rosaceae (Rose)

Relatives: Plum, rose, hawthorn, apple, pear

Size: 10-18 / 12-18  feet tall / wide

Origin: Southern Europe to Caucasus Mountains in western Asia

Propagation: Seeds or cuttings

Pyracantha Jelly

Texas Cooperative Extension Service 

Place 7 cups washed pyracantha berries in a very large pan with 5 cups of water. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Strain through a cloth. 

Measure 3 cups berry juice, ½ cup lemon juice and 7 cups sugar into a very large pan. Over high heat, bring to a boil, stirring constantly. 

Immediately stir in one bottle liquid pectin, bring to a full rolling boil and boil hard for one minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, skim off foam, and pour into sterilized glasses. Cover with l/8 inch melted paraffin. 

Prepared berry juice may be refrigerated or frozen prior to making jelly.