A robust, thorny evergreen that flowers in early summer and then carries masses of red berries from autumn into winter.
Firethorn earns its place by being useful as well as good looking. It is dense, thorny and quick to fill out, so it makes a genuine security hedge or a neat fan trained flat against a wall, and it is one of the few evergreens that will thrive on a cold north or east facing wall where little else will grow.
Clusters of small creamy-white flowers open in late spring and early summer and bring in bees, and the bright red berries that follow hold on well into winter for the birds. The thorny branches and thick foliage also give birds cover and somewhere to nest.
Plant it in any reasonably well-drained soil, including chalk, clay, loam and sand, in full sun or partial shade. Water it through the first season; after that it copes with dry spells and needs little more than a prune once the flowers are over, which is also how you keep the berries coming. The thorns are sharp, so wear gloves when you handle it and think twice before planting it beside a path or where children play.
Supplied as an established plant in a 3 litre pot, ready to plant out or pot on.
Cultural Information
Common Name: Firethorn
Fully Grown Height and Spread: Up to 3m tall and 2.5m wide, depending on pruning and training
Growth Habit: Vigorous, upright, dense and thorny
Perfect For: Security hedging, boundaries, wall training, borders and wildlife gardens
Foliage: Evergreen, small glossy dark green oval leaves
Flowering Time: Late spring to early summer, followed by berries from autumn into winter
Planting Position: Full sun or partial shade, including a cold north or east facing wall, and drought tolerant once established
Soil Type: Most well-drained soils, including chalk, clay, loam and sand
Hardiness: Fully hardy anywhere in Britain
Maintenance: Low; prune after flowering to shape it and to encourage berries
Seasonal Interest: Flowers in late spring and early summer, berries through autumn and winter
Type: Evergreen shrub
