Pyracantha crenatoserrata
Chinese firethorn
A large, spiny evergreen shrub to around 300cm, possibly 400cm in height with oval to egg-shaped foliage, glossy green above and paler beneath. Dense clusters of white flowers appear in the spring and summer, followed by berry-like red to orange, glossy fruit
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red Orange | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Pyracantha are evergreen shrubs or small trees, with spiny branches bearing simple leaves and corymbs of small white flowers followed by showy red, orange or yellow berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C & W China
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in fertile soil in sun or partial shade. Tolerant of pollution
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings from late spring onwards
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Climber and wall shrubs
- Hedging and screens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
See pruning group 1
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, woolly aphid, caterpillars, brown scale and leaf-mining moths
Diseases
May be susceptible to pyracantha scab, honey fungus and fireblight
Get involved
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