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| Photo Credit: Lane Greer |
| The bright red fruit of firethorn sets gardens ablaze with color. |
Ever get into a prickly situation when you’re just trying to get something done? That’s exactly what’ll happen if you try to prune the aptly named firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea). Its long, sharp thorns can be downright painful if you’re trying to shape this shrub. But you can easily overlook the scratches when you’re distracted by the loads of rich orange and red fruit bursting with fall color. What’s more, the fruit lasts for months, giving you something cheerful to look at through the long, dreary winter.
You simply can’t miss firethorn in your garden. It grows pretty tall – anywhere from 6-15 feet – depending on the cultivar and its location. I’ve seen many firethorns espaliered against a house or fence, and nursery plants are often sold on trellises. They can really dress up a blank wall. (They also make wonderful “fences” if you want to keep your neighbors out of your yard.) | Add Photo to Journal |  | | Photo Credit: Lane Greer | | Young firethorn plants are often trellised in the nursery. |
If it’s not trained to a trellis, firethorn grows quickly to form a shrub. It looks best when pruned a little for shape, although most owners avoid this sticky situation and let the plant grow how it will.
Come springtime, this pretty plant brings another treat for the eyes: It bears lots of white flowers. In fact, the shrub’s covered with them. (While pretty to look at, plan to keep your distance – the flowers are a little stinky.)
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