As a member of the rose family, the firethorn shrub has thorns similar to those found on a rose bush. These shrubs can be planted in the spring or fall and are very fast growers. They are evergreen in warm climates and semi-evergreen in colder climates.
Light
Firethorn can be grown in full or partial sun. However, those grown in full sun will produce more berries than those grown in partial sun.
Soil
The firethorn shrub is not very particular when it comes to soil types, but it does best in sandy, well-draining soils. It is tolerant of a wide range of pH levels.
Water
The firethorn does not require large amounts of water, though young plants will appreciate supplemental water as they establish. Water these shrubs weekly with a deep watering. Once these shrubs are established, they are drought-resistant and should not require supplemental water unless they are experiencing a very dry, hot period.
Temperature and Humidity
Firethorn is a hardy shrub and can handle a wide range of temperatures and climates, from freezing cold to high heat. They can be grown in zones 6 to 9 and add interest to the garden year-round.
Fertilizer
These low-maintenance shrubs do not require much fertilizing. Adding a light, well-balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring is all that is needed.
Pruning
Light pruning once a year will help keep the firethorn thick, bushy, and healthy. It is best to do this after blooming to avoid removing any buds. Heavy pruning can compromise production of blooms in the following year, since flowers develop on the previous year’s growth. If you must heavily prune this shrub, it is best to do it at the end of winter.
Propagating Firethorn
Propagating firethorn through cuttings is very easy. It is best to do this in the summer with semi-hardwood cuttings. You will need sharp garden snips, a small pot, well-draining soil, rooting hormone, a plastic bag, and a rubber band. Then follow these instructions:
How to Grow Firethorn From Seed
Firethorn can also be easily started from seed. Here is how:
Potting and Repotting Firethorn
Firethorn grows well in containers but does not handle transplanting very well. Therefore, it is best to select a large pot to accommodate this shrub’s rapid growth and minimize the need to repot. Be sure to choose a pot with good drainage. To pot this shrub, gently remove the firethorn from its container by tipping it on its side and tapping the outside of the pot to loosen the roots. Be sure to wear gloves to avoid injury from the thorns. Once the roots are loosened, slide the shrub out and place it into its new pot with well-draining, sandy soil. Bury the shrub to the top of the root line, as it was in its previous container.
Overwintering
The firethorn displays its evergreen leaves and vibrant berries all winter long without much additional care. Because they are designed to withstand cold temperatures, simply add a layer of mulch around the plant to help insulate the roots and enjoy the firethorn’s vibrant display.
How to Get Firethorn to Bloom
Firethorn produces small, white flowers in the spring and summer months which then turn into its famous red berries in the fall and winter. Though delicate and pretty to look at, the white flowers have an unpleasant aroma. No deadheading is required, but if the shrub requires pruning, it is best done after blooming. Provide this shrub with full sun to encourage more blooming.
Common Problems With Firethorn
Firethorn is a hardy plant, although it is prone to both fire blight and scab. Let’s take a look at these common issues, what to look out for, and how to treat them.
Pyracantha Scab
Scab is a fungal disease that disfigures the fruits, leaves, and blooms of Pyracantha species, making them dark and scabby in appearance. If this fungus attacks a firethorn shrub, it is best to remove all infected areas, if possible. Collect, remove, and burn any fallen leaves to prevent reinfection. Spray the plant with an anti-fungal spray to treat the source of the infection.
Fireblight
Fireblight is a bacterial infection that usually affects growth in the spring. It easily spreads from plant to plant. Signs include sudden wilting, browning, and blackening of growth. This makes the plant appear as if it were burned with fire. Infected areas must be removed and destroyed to prevent this bacterial infection from killing the plant. The plant can also be sprayed with an antibiotic. Firethorn is both evergreen and semi-evergreen, depending on the climate it is grown in. Shrubs grown in warm climates are evergreen, while shrubs grown in colder climates are semi-evergreen.
