Pyracantha coccinea Sunny Star

Pyracantha coccinea 'Sunny Star' is a recent variety that is less thorny than the classic varieties of firethorns, traditionally used in defensive hedges. In spring, numerous white flowers appear, attracting pollinating insects. They produce yellow-orange berries that persist on the bush for a long time, contributing to its decorative appearance. Its fruits also bring joy to birds, providing them with a food reserve in winter. This evergreen shrub retains its leaves all year round. Plant it in an informal hedge, a flower bed, a container, or train it against a wall. Adapting to all types of soil and growing well in both full sun and partial shade, it is one of the easiest plants to succeed with!

Belonging to the Rosaceae family, Pyracanthas are native to Asia and southern Europe. Due to its thorny branches, it was traditionally planted in defensive hedges. However, its decorative berries that bring joy to birds and its nectar-rich flowering make it valuable for garden biodiversity. 'Sunny Star' is a recent Dutch variety, 2020, obtained by Van der Sar VOF. This shrub has an upright and bushy habit, reaching 2 to 3 m in height and 1.5 m in width. Its branches are less thorny than most pyracanthas. Its evergreen leaves are a beautiful dark green. In May-June, a multitude of clusters of white flowers form, particularly attractive to pollinators. They develop into round berries, initially green then turning yellow before becoming orange with the arrival of cold weather. These non-edible fruits remain on the bush for a long time, until Christmas and even beyond. Cut a few branches to enhance your bouquets.

This less thorny variety is less suitable for planting in defensive hedges compared to traditional varieties. However, it finds a place in passageways or near terraces. It will thrive in a large container or a flower bed alongside flowering shrubs. Its branches can also be trained like a climber. Pyracantha 'Sunny Star' is a shrub that contributes to attracting biodiversity to the garden: insects pollinate its flowers and birds love its decorative fruits during winter. Incorporate it into a countryside hedge designed to provide food and refuge for garden birds. Combine Pyracantha 'Sunny Star' with other useful shrubs such as 'Perpetu Everest' Crab Apple Tree and Guelder Rose Viburnum.