Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

1 other cultivar

‘Mohave’Mohave Firethorn

shrub RHS Award

Orange Glow Firethorn

Pyracantha x hybrida 'Orange Glow'

The Story

Plant Bio

Pyracantha is a genus of vigorous, spiny evergreen shrubs native from southeastern Europe to Southeast Asia, valued for their dense structure and prolific fruit production. The plants feature stiff, woody branches armed with sharp thorns and bear clusters of small white flowers in spring followed by abundant, colorful pome fruits.

'Orange Glow' is a robust European selection distinguished by its dense, upright growth habit and heavy crops of bright orange berries that persist through winter. The glossy, dark green foliage provides a stark contrast to both the spring floral display and the vibrant fall fruit.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round interest with dense evergreen foliage, profuse white spring flowers, and heavy clusters of bright orange winter berries.

Functions as an impenetrable security barrier or hedge due to its stiff, thorny branches, and adapts well to espalier training against walls.

Flowers attract bees and other insect pollinators, while the dense, thorny structure provides excellent nesting cover and protection for songbirds.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118"

Width

94"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

20-50 years

Native To

Europe to Asia (cultivar origin Europe)

Toxicity

Seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides; sharp thorns present

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to maximize flowering and subsequent berry production.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and amend heavy soils to ensure excellent drainage.
Set the plant at the same depth as it was in the container and backfill, firming the soil gently.
Water thoroughly at planting and maintain consistent moisture until the root system is fully established.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after spring flowering; cutting back into old, leafless wood where dormant buds have expired results in permanent bare gaps.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Wear heavy leather gloves when handling or pruning to protect against the sharp, rigid thorns.
Sterilize pruning tools with rubbing alcohol between cuts to prevent the spread of fire blight.
Apply an annual spring top-dressing of organic compost to maintain soil fertility.

Don't

Do not over-fertilize with high-nitrogen products, which stimulates soft growth vulnerable to aphids and fire blight.
Do not plant in waterlogged or poorly drained soils where root rot can quickly develop.
Do not prune aggressively into old, bare wood as it responds poorly with little to no regrowth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgePrivacy ScreenBarrier PlantingEspalierWildlife Garden

Companion Plants

Ilex glabra Viburnum dentatum Juniperus virginiana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Orange Glow Firethorn questions

What zones can Orange Glow Firethorn grow in?

Orange Glow 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.

Is Orange Glow Firethorn deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Orange Glow Firethorn, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Orange Glow Firethorn bloom?

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

Does Orange Glow Firethorn need full sun?

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

Is Orange Glow Firethorn drought tolerant?

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