Pyracantha is an evergreen, garden shrub from the rose family that bears clusters of tiny white flowers in summer, that turn into colourful berries come the autumn and winter. The traditional variety has dark green, glossy leaves and bright red berries , and while there are a number of other types that have berries in shades or orangey yellow or orange, personally I think the original variety is the most attractive. The plant develops increasingly woody stems with age and has attractive, glossy red-brown bark (though this isn't usually particularly visible through the foliage). In amongst the foliage, you soon discover it is covered with thin, very sharp thorns - ...  Read the complete review

Here's a shrub that grows in almost any garden without needing much work, that changes its appearance according to the seasons, but always looks good. Here are eight reasons for including a Firethorn (aka Pyracantha) in your garden. 1. BEAUTY ALL YEAR ROUND Unlike most shrubs, Pyracantha is an evergreen; she (I think of her as a lady) won't shed her leaves in the cold season. When other shrubs look naked and bare, Pyracantha still wears an abundance of small dark green leaves. In addition, Pyracantha adorns herself with gorgeous jewellery of gold and ruby. From October to January, Pyracantha is covered all over with ...  Read the complete review

Need to cover a north facing fence or wall? Have other climbers withered and died in the shade and cold? This plant will suit you down to the ground. Pyracantha, often refered to as 'Firethorn', is a grow-anywhere shrub. It is most effective when grown as a climber using either a sturdy trellis or supporting wires. This is a thorny, evergreen plant and bears small, sometimes insignificant, flowers followed by vivid berries which last well into the following summer. It is available in varying shades of foilage, even a variegated green and cream. The berries also vary between orange and red. Whilst it is not as vigorous as some climbers ...  Read the complete review

Pyracantha alias Firethorn. Excellent for defensive purposes against intruders. Can grow to 3metres or more if against a wall otherwise to about 2.5metres in open space. Has berries in various colours - red, orange and yellow. Thorns are quite lethal as they grow to lenghts in excess of 30mm and do not break off as in the case of bramble for example, the thorn is actually part of the stem. Wear thick leather gloves when handling. If you want it for protection, do not prune. Can be propagated easily from cuttings in pots over winter. Any questions about this or other plants/shrubs contact me at internetposse@aol.com ...  Read the complete review