I bite (Pyracantha (Firethorn))

Member Name: gill1960

Product:	Pyracantha (Firethorn)
Date:	12/07/03 (1797 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: security, attractiveness

Disadvantages: Thorny

How to protect your property is a big question for many of us these days. We all know about cameras, burglar alarms etc.

But how can we protect our selves with a natural thing, something that doesn't need batteries or electric, the only thing it needs is TLC (tender loving care)

Ok I must admit nothing is burglar proof, but this does act as a deterrent. Whilst the intruders are negotiating the thorns you do have a chance to phone the police.

What is this deterrent? It is a shrub called pyracantha.

Pyracantha is a member of the rose family it likes well drained, rich soil to prevent its roots from rotting, and it prefers a warm, south facing position. Having said that it will tolerate other positions.

The evergreen pyracantha has many varieties the firethorn variety being popular it
has large bunches of white flowers in spring, in the autumn they have berries in different shades from red to yellow. If you like watching birds then the pyracantha is a shrub for you. birds love to feed on the berries. This is a thorny dense shrub with glossy green leaves so it does look attractive all year round.

Pyracantha shrubs form an informal hedging and are usually planted against walls or wooden fencing.Most varieties have big 1 inch long spiky thorns which make them an excellent deterrent. When I am trimming mine back I always remind myself to be careful as he will bite me, and believe me he does bite.

Do not worry if you only can afford to buy a small plant as they do grow at a medium rate and before long you will have a good plant. Plant prices vary according to size, a rough guide to price is £3 for a smallish plant. The plants themselves depending on variety grow roughly inbetween three feet and six feet, or will grow a lot more than that if left to run wild.

Conifer hedging does provide you with the advantage of privacy, but it does not provide you with the thorns of the pyracantha, so thin
k twice about yoiur hedging arrangment.

You can cut and prune a pyracantha if you just want a shrub feature in your garden, but as I said earlier pyracantha and similar shrubs do act as a deterrent and they are attractive to look at, low maintainance.

Enjoy your privacy.

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