Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Pyracantha coccinea
Scarlet Firethorn
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Height
- 6 to 18 feet
- Width
- 6 to 18 feet
- Flower color
- White
- Foliage color
- Glossy green
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Low to moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; responds well to pruning for shaping or hedges
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 6 to 9
- Wildlife
- Flowers attract bees; orange-red berries are showy and a food source for birds
About this plant
Pyracantha coccinea, commonly known as scarlet firethorn, is a semi-evergreen shrub known for its profusion of small, white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. These flowers are followed by clusters of vibrant orange to red berries in the fall, which persist into winter, providing seasonal interest and serving as a valuable food source for birds.
Native to southern Europe and western Asia, Pyracantha coccinea is prized for its versatility and adaptability in a variety of landscapes. Its thorny branches make it an excellent choice for hedging or natural barriers, while its ornamental berries add color and texture to mixed borders or standalone plantings. The shrub's year-round appeal and wildlife-friendly attributes contribute to its popularity in gardens and urban settings.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Hedging & Privacy · Pollinator Gardens · Bird Gardens
Companion plants
Irises · Peruvian lily · Aster · Pampas grass · Stonecrop · Fothergilla
Design tip
Scarlet firethorn really shines in fall and winter, when heavy clusters of orange-red berries brighten the garden after many other plants have faded. Its glossy green foliage provides a rich backdrop for the berries, while white flowers bring a fresh burst of color in late spring.
