1 named cultivar

‘Victory’Victory Pyracantha

shrub

Pyracantha

The Story

Plant Bio

Pyracantha koidzumii, Formosa firethorn, is a fast semi-evergreen shrub from Taiwan, eight to eighteen feet tall and eight to twelve across. Narrow oblanceolate leaves cover thorny arching stems, clusters of small white flowers open in spring, and dense bunches of orange-red berries follow and hold well into winter.

The thorns are serious — stiff, sharp and hidden among the foliage, which makes this superb as a security hedge and unpleasant anywhere people brush past. Wear thick gloves and eye protection to prune it. It is also prone to fireblight, so cut only in dry weather and disinfect between cuts, and it trains beautifully flat against a wall.

Uses & Benefits:

Heavy clusters of orange-red berries against dark evergreen foliage, holding into winter.

An effective security barrier, and it trains flat against a wall better than most shrubs.

Pollinators work the spring flowers heavily and songbirds strip the berries through winter.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

156 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Taiwan

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if eaten in quantity

Planting

How to Grow

Site it away from paths and doorways.
Plant in full sun for the heaviest fruiting.
Give it any freely drained soil.
Wear thick gloves and eye protection to prune.
Prune only in dry weather, disinfecting tools.
Train it flat against a wall if space is short.

Pro Tip

The thorns hide inside the foliage and are stiff enough to injure — gloves and eye protection are not optional with this shrub.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Wear gloves and eye protection ⚠️
Plant it in full sun for berries ☀️
Prune only in dry weather ✂️
Train it flat on a wall 🧱

Don't

Plant it beside a path ❌
Prune in wet spring weather ❌
Compost blighted prunings ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Enjoy
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Security hedge and boundary barrierEspalier trained flat on a warm wallAutumn and winter berry display for birds

Companion Plants

Nandina LoropetalumJuniper Muhly Grass Camellia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pyracantha questions

What zones can Pyracantha grow in?

Pyracantha is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Pyracantha deer resistant?

Yes — Pyracantha is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Pyracantha bloom?

Pyracantha typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Pyracantha need full sun?

Pyracantha does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Pyracantha drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Pyracantha handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.