Pyracantha

The Best Pyracantha Plants

For gardening enthusiasts and homeowners alike, Pyracantha plants offer a vibrant and versatile addition to any landscape. Known for their fiery red berries and hardy nature, these plants are often sought after for both aesthetic and practical purposes. Whether you're looking to buy Pyracantha or simply want to learn more about this wonderful plant, this guide will provide valuable insights.

Why Choose Pyracantha?

Pyracantha, often referred to as "Firethorn," is favoured for its year-round appeal. In spring and summer, it blooms with white flowers, while autumn brings forth clusters of bright red, orange, or yellow berries. These berries not only add a splash of colour to your garden but also attract birds, making Pyracantha a favourite among bird watchers.

Additionally, Pyracantha is known for its resilience. Thriving in a range of environments, it can withstand dry conditions and poor soil, making it an ideal choice for New Zealand's diverse climate. Its thorny branches also serve as a natural barrier, providing security and privacy for your property.

Buying Pyracantha in New Zealand

The Plant Company has the best Pyracantha plants to buy in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants and our logistics team pack them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive and the quality is exceptional. Let us look after your plant needs and impress you with both our products and service!

Planting and Care Tips

Once you've chosen your Pyracantha plants, proper planting and care will ensure they thrive in your garden. Here are some essential tips:

• Location: Plant Pyracantha in a sunny or partially shaded area. They prefer well-drained soil but are adaptable to various soil types.
• Watering: While they are drought-tolerant, young plants require regular watering until they establish a robust root system.
• Pruning: Regular pruning is vital to maintain the plant's shape and promote healthy growth. Prune after the flowering period to avoid cutting off potential berry-producing branches.
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer in the spring to boost growth and berry production.

Pyracantha Varieties

There are several Pyracantha varieties available, each with unique characteristics. Some popular choices include:

• Pyracantha 'Red Column': Known for its brilliant red berries and upright growth.
• Pyracantha 'Orange Glow': Offers stunning orange berries and is excellent for hedging.
• Pyracantha 'Saphyr Yellow': Features striking yellow berries that brighten any garden space.

What is the fastest growing Pyracantha?

The fastest-growing pyracantha variety is Pyracantha coccinea 'Red Column'. It is a vigorous climber that can grow up to 50cm (20 inches) per year. It has deep green leaves and bright red berries in the autumn. It is a good choice for hedging, screening, and groundcover. Here are some other fast-growing pyracantha varieties:

• Pyracantha Soleil d’Or: This variety has golden-yellow berries in the autumn and is also a fast grower.
• Pyracantha Fireball: This variety has orange-red berries in the autumn and is a medium-fast grower.
• Pyracantha ‘Teton’: This variety has white berries in the autumn and is a medium-fast grower.
• Pyracantha ‘Mohave’: This variety has yellow berries in the autumn and is a slow grower.

All pyracantha varieties are evergreen and thorny. They are best planted in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant and require little maintenance.

What are the cons of Pyracantha?

Pyracantha is a versatile plant that can be used for a variety of purposes, but it also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of before planting it in your garden.

• Pyracantha is a thorny plant, and its thorns can be very sharp and painful. This can make it difficult to prune or work around the plant, and it can also be a hazard to pets and children.
• Pyracantha is susceptible to a number of diseases, including fire blight, scab, and rust. These diseases can cause the plant to lose its leaves, flowers, or fruit, and they can also make the plant more susceptible to pests.
• Pyracantha requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming overgrown. It also needs to be fertilized and watered regularly, especially during periods of hot weather.
• Pyracantha can attract a number of pests, including aphids, scale insects, and spider mites. These pests can damage the plant and make it less aesthetically pleasing.
• Pyracantha can be invasive in some areas, and it can spread easily by its seeds. This can make it difficult to control and can also pose a threat to native plant populations.

Despite these drawbacks, Pyracantha can still be a valuable addition to the garden.

Is a Pyracantha poisonous?

Yes, Pyracantha is poisonous to some extent. The berries and seeds of the plant contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested. However, the levels of cyanogenic glycosides in pyracantha are relatively low, and serious poisoning is rare.

Symptoms of pyracantha poisoning can include: Nausea and vomiting, Diarrhoea, Dizziness, Headache, Weakness, and Seizures. In severe cases, pyracantha poisoning can be fatal.

What is the English name for Pyracantha?

The most common English name for Pyracantha is firethorn. This name is derived from the Greek words "pyr" meaning "fire" and "akanthos" meaning "thorn," referring to the plant's thorny branches and bright red berries.

Other English names for Pyracantha include: Evergreen hawthorn, Flame thorn, Nepal firethorn, Scarlet firethorn, Chinese firethorn, and Woolly firethorn. The name "firethorn" is the most widely used and recognized name for Pyracantha in English-speaking countries. It is a descriptive and fitting name for this beautiful and thorny plant.

Is Hawthorn the same as Pyracantha?

No, Hawthorn and Pyracantha are not the same plants. They are both members of the rose family (Rosaceae), but they have different characteristics and belong to different genera.

• Hawthorn (Crataegus) is a deciduous shrub or small tree with white or pink flowers and red berries. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Hawthorn is commonly used in hedges and landscaping.
• Pyracantha is an evergreen shrub with small white flowers and bright red, orange, or yellow berries. It is native to southeastern Europe and Asia. Pyracantha is also commonly used in hedges and landscaping.

Is Pyracantha the same as sea buckthorn?

Pyracantha and sea buckthorn are not the same plants. While they both belong to the rose family (Rosaceae) and have some similar characteristics, they have different origins, appearances, and uses.

• Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a deciduous shrub or small tree with narrow, silver-green leaves and orange or yellow berries. It is native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia and is known for its nutritional value and medicinal properties.
• Pyracantha (Pyracantha coccinea) is an evergreen shrub or climber with small, oval leaves and bright red, orange, or yellow berries. It is native to southeastern Europe and Asia and is widely used in landscaping and hedging.