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Pyracantha 'Soleil D'Or'

Image of Pyracantha 'Soleil d'Or'

Jessie Keith

Family

Rosaceae

Botanical Name

Pyracantha 'Soleil D'Or'

Plant Common Name

Firethorn, Soileil d'Or Firethorn

General Description

Clustered on red-tinged, upright, spiny branches, the fruits of 'Soleil d'Or' glow like drops of sun in the fall and winter landscape. An evergreen shrub clothed in glossy, dark green, elliptic leaves, this French hybrid bears abundant clusters of musky-scented white flowers in late spring, followed by green apple-shaped berries that ripen golden-yellow in fall. The fruits persist into winter, much to the delight of hungry birds. This shrub is hardy only in areas with relatively mild winters.

Like most firethorns, 'Soleil d'Or' does best in well-drained soil in full sun, and tolerates a wide variety of soils and exposures once established. Often utilized as a dense, impenetrable hedge or screen, it is equally beautiful as a specimen, its fruits contrasting strikingly with dark-leaved companions. It makes a breathtaking espalier for a sun-drenched wall.

In some areas with mild climates, firethorns can escape gardens and become invasive weeds.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    7 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Broadleaf Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    8'-10' / 2.4m - 3.0m

  • Width

    8'-10' / 2.4m - 3.0m

  • Bloom Time

    Spring, Late Spring

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Pollution, Salt

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White

  • Fruit Color

    Yellow, Gold

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Dark Green, Bronze

  • Bark Color

    Red, Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    Yes

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    Yes

  • Invasive

    Sometimes

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes