1 named cultivar

‘Red Column’Scarlet Firethorn

shrub

Scarlet Firethorn

The Story

Plant Bio

Pyracantha coccinea is a dense, spiny evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia, characterized by its stiff, upright branching habit and sharp stem thorns. In spring and early summer, it produces clusters of small, unpleasantly aromatic white flowers on the prior year's wood, followed by abundant, bright red pomes that persist into winter.

The species typically reaches heights of fifteen to eighteen feet with a spread of eight to twelve feet, though compact cultivars restrict their growth to around three feet. Its glossy, dark green leaves have finely toothed margins and provide dense, protective cover for nesting birds.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure with glossy evergreen foliage, showy spring flowers, and brilliant red winter berries.

Functions as an impenetrable security barrier or hedge due to its stiff, sharp stem thorns.

Offers dense nesting cover and emergency winter food for songbirds, while spring flowers attract bees and other pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

216"

Width

144"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Southeastern Europe to southwestern Asia

Toxicity

Foliage and seeds are toxic if ingested

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with average, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth as its container.
Water deeply to establish the root system, ensuring the soil does not remain waterlogged or stagnant.
Prune annually immediately after flowering to shape the shrub and encourage spur formation.

Pro Tip

Time all structural pruning immediately after spring flowering concludes; shearing firethorns into geometric shapes later in the season removes the flowering spurs and destroys the subsequent winter berry display.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly immediately after spring flowering to maintain shape.
Plant in a location with excellent air circulation to minimize fungal blights.
Wear thick, protective gloves when handling the spiny branches.

Don't

Do not prune late in the season, as this removes the wood that carries next year's flowers and berries.
Do not cut back into old, leafless wood, which fails to regenerate.
Do not overwater or plant in low-lying areas prone to standing water.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Security barrier or thorny hedgeEspalier against walls or fencesWildlife and songbird gardens

Companion Plants

Ilex vomitoria Crataegus phaenopyrum Juniperus virginiana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Scarlet Firethorn questions

What zones can Scarlet Firethorn grow in?

Scarlet Firethorn is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Scarlet Firethorn bloom?

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

Does Scarlet Firethorn need full sun?

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

Is Scarlet Firethorn drought tolerant?

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