John Rickard
Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
PYRACANTHA koidzumii 'Santa Cruz'
Plant Common Name
Formosa Firethorn, Santa Cruz Firethorn
General Description
The spreading stems of the Formosa firethorn selection 'Santa Cruz' produce very beautiful clusters of white flowers followed by small red berries. Descended from a native of Taiwan, it has oval, dark-green leaves and long, sharp spines. In late spring, numerous small white flowers appear, followed by late-ripening, showy red berries that on occasion may be picked at by songbirds. The berries linger on the branches well into winter.
Plant ‘Santa Cruz’ in well-drained, average to moist soil and full to partial sun. Heat and drought-tolerant, it can be kept lower and neater with the removal of any upward-growing shoots. Use it as an informal and formidable hedge, or as a mounding, sprawling specimen in the shrub border, or for covering a rocky hillside, where it will look groundcover-like.
In some areas with mild climates, firethorns can escape gardens and become invasive weeds.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 9
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Sunset Zone
3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Broadleaf Evergreen
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m (4)
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Width
6'-10' / 1.8m - 3.0m (6)
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring
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Native To
China
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Pollution, Salt
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Growth Rate
Very Fast
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Arching/Fountain-shaped
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Self-Sowing
Yes
