Pyracantha (Firethorn)

Pyracantha coccinea

Evergreen thorny shrub with white spring flowers followed by dense clusters of orange or red autumn berries that persist into winter.

Hardiness ratings

Pyracantha (Firethorn) hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 5–9 −28.9 °C to −1.1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H6 −20 °C to −15 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 6–9 −18 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 2–6 −10 °C to 15 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Dense thorny structure provides safe nesting habitat for small birds
  • Abundant berries through autumn and winter feed thrushes, blackbirds and waxwings
  • Excellent against walls and fences — train as an espalier or wall shrub
  • Thorns are serious — wear thick gloves to prune

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Pyracantha (Firethorn) against your zones

Reference

Pyracantha (Firethorn) on Wikipedia