Hur ser en firethorn
cookies. The firethorn is not only a really useful plant in the landscape but also a reliable source of color to brighten up gardens in early winter. Read on to learn how to care for the firethorn, and if it is the right shrub for you and your garden. Firethorn, Scarlet firethorn, or Pyracantha as it is often known is a medium to large evergreen to deciduous shrub from the rose family Rosaceae. This plant is reliably evergreen in mild climates, but semi-evergreen to deciduous in areas with colder climates.
These plants are very similar in appearance to Cotoneaster but are easily identified by their sharp thorns.
Planting Firethorn: Growing Tips And Care Of Firethorn Bush
The firethorn has a firm, semi-woody arching form and grows up to 18ft 5. It is native to Western Asia, as well as the southern parts of Europe. There it is found in woodland, rocky areas, riverbanks, and the edges of grasslands 1. Firethorn bushes have glossy, dark green foliage up to 1. They are simple and alternately arranged, with serrate margins. The stems of this plant are a rich glossy brown color when young, and the plants are armed with needle-sharp spines to nearly an inch 25mm long.
Firethorns are showy when in bloom in the spring to early summer, producing masses of small white flowers in corymbs that measure inches If there is any downside to this bright floral display, it is the pretty unpleasant fragrance these flowers are known to have. Fortunately, perhaps, the flowering period is pretty short in this species. The Pyracantha bush is most celebrated for the incredible amount of fruits pomes it produces each year.
This display can last right into the winter adding valuable berry color in the cold temperatures. These small round pomes vary in color from yellow through bright red and measure about ¼ inches 6mm in diameter. Each pome contains many small, dark seeds.
How To Grow and Care For The Firethorn Bush (Pyracantha coccinea)
The fruits are said to be edible, but the seeds are mildly poisonous. Considering the size of the fruits and the amount of effort it takes to remove the seeds, it is probably not worth the time unless you wish to make a sauce or jelly. Firethorn is a fast-growing plant that can grow over 2 feet 0. They can be grown from seeds, collected in the late winter, or from cuttings. Take semi-ripe or greenwood cuttings in summer to early fall.
Cuttings of around 3 inches 7. Pyracantha grows best in dry to medium moisture garden soils with a mildly acidic to neutral pH, especially well draining soil. If you plant pyracantha in highly fertile soil that will promote rampant growth, which increases its susceptibility to fire blight and decreases berry production. These plants with rapid growth have moderate water needs. Supplemental watering is usually only necessary in hot, dry periods or climates.
Young or newly planted specimens will also need regular water until established and growing well. Do not overwater, however, as this can cause root rot. Applying a layer of organic mulch over the soil around the root ball zone will help to keep the soil moist and suppress competition from unwanted weeds. Position this evergreen shrub in full sun if you want to bring out the best colors and display. They will grow in partial shade if that is the only space you have available though.
USDA hardiness zones provide the perfect climate for growing firethorn plants and they are fairly salt tolerant. However, keep in mind that firethorns grown in partial shade or too much shade may produce fewer berries and fewer flowers. Firethorn shrubs are tolerant of shearing and pruning and can be made into a neat formal hedge. These plants can be pruned at any time of the year, but if you want to avoid shearing off the bright orange berries, prune these plants in the early spring before they flower.
One downside to this firethorn shrub is its sharp spines. This can make working with firethorns pretty tricky, and rather painful if you are not prepared. The thorns can even cause a nasty reaction in some people, so wear heavy clothes and gloves when pruning or working on this plant and take your time. Fertilizing is not usually necessary in good to average garden soil.
An application of a balanced fertilizer like , worked into the soil around the root zone can certainly improve plant growth and vigor, however. Avoid fertilizing after Spring though because new growth can obscure the colorful fruits.