Pyracantha 'Saphyr Rouge'

Description: A compact form of the evergreen Pyracantha. Rich evergreen foliage which form a clean background to the mass of small white flowers in late spring and then the profusion of showy red berries which follow in the autumn. This smaller form is more useful for the smaller garden or limited space with a dense habit and excellent show of berries from October to March.

Uses: Good for the smaller garden. Can be used against a wall if trained as a wall shrub, as a free standing shrub in a border or as a thick hedging plant with thorns so useful for security planting.

Climate/Position: Sun or partial shade

Height/Spread: 1.2 - 2 x 1.5 - 2 metres

Soil Requirements: Any free draining soil.

Pruning: There are a range of methods of Pyracantha pruning. Foe free standing shrubs then it may be that no pruning is required or a light prune for shaping the plant. For hedging plants cut after flowering in Spring and then 2 - 3 times in the summer as required (using gloves for protection).

For wall trained shrubs then train young plants into a framework onto wires or trellis and then ensure outward facing growth is pruned back after flowering. Try to limit the amount of 2 year growth which is removed to ensure future flower and berry displays.

Special Requirements: Use gloves when working with Pyracantha as the thorns are very hard and can be painful!

Additional Interest: Plant Breeders Rights apply. Trade name = 'Cadrou'

The name pyracantha comes from the Greek pyr - fire and acanthos - thorn, hence the common name Firethorn.