Pyracantha koidzumii

Firethorn
Rosaceae
Evergreen, Ground covers, Shrubs

PYRACANTHA

Grown for bright fruit, evergreen foliage (may be semievergreen in cold climates), versatility in the landscape, ease of culture. All grow fast and vigorously, varying in habit from upright to sprawling. All have glossy green, 1–4-in.-long, 1/2–1-in.-wide leaves that are generally oval or rounded at ends; all bear flowers and fruit on spurs along wood of last year’s growth. Small, spring flowers are dull creamy white, carried in flattish clusters; they’re effective thanks to their profusion. Some people find the scent unpleasant. Nearly all species have needlelike thorns.

Pyracantha koidzumii

From Taiwan. Loose, unruly grower to 8–12 ft. tall and wide. Best known for its varieties. Among these are ‘Santa Cruz’ and ‘Walderi’, both good bank and ground covers.

‘Santa Cruz’ (‘Santa Cruz Prostrata’). Reaches 6 ft. tall but is easily maintained at 3 ft. or lower by pruning out erect-growing branches. Can spread as wide as 10 ft. Red berries.

‘Victory’. To 8–10 ft. tall, 6–8 ft. wide. Dark red berries color late but hang on late as well.

‘Walderi’ (‘Walderi Prostrata’). To 3 ft. tall but easily kept to 1 1/2 ft. by pruning out upright branches. Spreads to about 6 ft. wide. Red berries.