Firethorn
Pyracantha coccinea
Also called Pyracantha and Scarlet firethorn
Garden plant · ShrubsPrune it in SUMMER, after it flowers, and cut back to just above a berry truss. Prune in spring and you cut off the berries before they exist.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Medium
- Water
- Once a weekWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade — it fruits on a north wall too
- Feed
- Every 45 days
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Hardy — a very cold winter RHS H6, to -20°C
- Size
- 3 m tall · 3 m across
- Lifecycle
- Shrub
- Origin
- Southern Europe and south-west Asia
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
PeopleHarmful if eaten
The berries.
HandlingTake care handling it
RHS says to wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling it.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-08-03.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.