Firethorn
Pyracantha coccinea
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Pl. F6B7 — Pyracantha coccinea
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IOverview
Overview
Firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea) is a deciduous shrub native to the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions including Albania, Bulgaria, France, Greece, Iran, Italy, Lebanon-Syria, and parts of Turkey. Known for its ornamental value and edible fruit, it thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH range of 5.8 to 8. The plant can grow up to 4 meters tall and is hardy in zones 6-9. Its distinctive feature includes small, sharp thorns that cover the branches, making it both visually striking and protective. The edible fruit, though not commonly consumed, adds a unique element to its appeal as an ornamental shrub.
Quick answers
What is Firethorn?
Firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea) is a deciduous shrub native to the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions including Albania, Bulgaria, France, Greece, Iran, Italy, Lebanon-Syria, and parts of Turkey. Known for its ornamental value and edible fruit, it thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH range of 5.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Firethorn thrives in light to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It requires moist conditions but can tolerate a range of soil pH from 5.8 to 8. Hardy in temperate regions, it grows best in zones 6-9. Propagate via cuttings for reliable results. Fruit is edible and grows on the shrub.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
4.0 m tall
Soil pH
5.8–8
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Firethorn for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance shrub that will thrive in most beginner-friendly gardens.
- 1
What you'll need
Firethorn plant or seeds, garden gloves, trowel, watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 5.8 and 8.0, ensuring it's light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from the nursery or sow seeds directly in the garden after preparing the soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Prune annually to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and encourage new growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Focus on regular pruning to keep the plant healthy and attractive. Harvest fruit if desired for decorative purposes.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting winter protection in colder climates, overpruning, and using unsuitable soil types.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of the Firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea) is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. Typically, it is used in jams and jellies due to its tart flavor. The fruit can also be dried for later use. Skip
Other uses:HedgerowEspalier
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
15 native · 15 introduced
Distribution
15 native · 15 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 15 native· 15 introduced
Europe9 regions
native (9)AlbaniaBulgariaFranceGreeceItalyRussiaSpainSwitzerlandUkraine
Asia4 regions
native (2)IranTurkey
introduced (2)GeorgiaUzbekistan
Broader regions
native:Lebanon-Syria, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia
introduced:North Carolina, Northern Provinces, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Alabama, Virginia, Washington
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · f6b7bed3-dcfc-4e6e-b43d-3e4b7961752d
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