Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00001205
11/12/99

Pyracantha coccinea--Firethorn


Hardiness Zones: 6 to 9
Height: 8 ft Spread: 12 ft Form: spreading
Type: broad-leaved evergreen shrub
Annual Growth Rate: 12 to 18 inches
Flowers: White
Fruit: Orange

Comments: Firethorn may not be dependably hardy in
northern sites but some cultivars in the list are hardier.
This is a thorny, spreading shrub (Vis. 2) that needs lots
of room. A sunny, sheltered location is best. Provide
shade in winter, if practical, to prevent winterburn. The
main ornamental feature is the orange to red (Vis. 4) fruits
in autumn. The white flowers (Vis. 3) are produced in late
spring but are not as showy as the fruits.

Cultivars:
'Fiery Cascade' - A ten-foot plant that bears heavy
crops of red fruit, listed as disease resistant.
'Gnozam' (Gnome TM) - Listed by Lake County Nursery as a
hardy, dense cultivar reaching a height and spread of
about 6 feet (Vis. 1).
'Kasan' - A cultivar with a spreading habit, reaching a
width of about 10 feet.
'Lalandei' - An old cultivar with improved hardiness.
'Lalandei Monrovia' - Profuse fruit production.
'Lowboy' - A vigorous spreader that will spread 8 feet
but will be only 3 feet tall.
'Mohave' - (P. koidzumii X P. coccinea 'Wyattii') - A
6-foot tall plant with heavy flowering and fruit
production.
'Orange Charmer' - A semi-evergreen that produces large
crops of orange fruit.
'Rutgers' - A low plant only 3 feet tall that is listed
as being resistant to scab and fire blight.
'Yukon Belle' - Actually P. angustifolia, listed as
hardy by Monrovia and reaching a height and spread of
6 to 8 feet.

References for Cultivars: Monrovia Nursery Company 1997,
Lake County Nursery 1999, Weston Nurseries 1994, Princeton
Nurseries 1999, Ray Wiegand's Nursery 1999, Wayside Gardens
1999, Sheridan Nurseries 1999, Berryhill Nurseries 1999,
Scarff's Nursery 1999, Willoway Nurseries 1999.


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