Pyracantha coccinea Red Column - Scarlet Firethorn

Pyracantha coccinea 'Red Column', commonly known as Firethorn Bush, is a ground-covering bush with a bushy habit, with dark green foliage and white flowers that bloom from May to June and produce red berries in late summer.

Originally from the Caucasus and Europe, Pyracantha coccinea 'Red Column' has a compact and bushy habit, with an upright height of 4 metres (13ft) and a width of 2 metres. Its spring flowering offers pretty small cream-white flowers in the form of corymbs. This flowering is followed by abundant fruiting from October to December, with scarlet-red berries that persist until the following spring. Its bark is greyish and cracks with age, and the branches are covered in formidable thorns of approximately 3cm (1.2 inches). Its foliage is shiny dark green in colour. Its oval leaves, measuring 2 to 5cm (0.8 - 2 inches), are alternate and lanceolate with slightly serrated margins. The young shoots are slightly yellowish.

Whether used as a hedge, ground cover, or ornamental plant, it will capture attention with its magnificent flowering. It is highly appreciated in winter as it remains highly decorative, thanks to its persistent fruiting even during the period of the year when other plants are dormant.

Evergreen down to -15 °C, the Pyracantha coccinea 'Red Column' thrives in sunny or semi-shaded locations. Plant it in moist soil with a limestone pH from March to June. Prune it from February to April before the start of vegetation.

It is also widely used in topiary. Its fruits attract birds.