scarlet firethorn

Scarlet firethorn plants prefer consistently moist soil, but should never be left standing in water or exposed to overly wet conditions. During the spring and summer months, water the plant deeply twice a week if sufficient rainfall does not occur. In late winter and early spring, reduce irrigation to once a week. In areas of significant rainfall, only water during periods of drought. Avoid over-watering, as it can damage roots and cause yellowing of leaves.

Scarlet firethorn thrives in partial shade to full sun. This shrub should be planted in an area receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight and will tolerate more—up to 8 hours—in the spring and summer months. During the winter months, the plant should be situated in a less sunny location to reduce the chance of frost damage.

Scarlet firethorn, also known as Pyracantha coccinea 'Rutgers', is a fast-growing, woody, evergreen shrub that reaches heights of 6 to 10 feet after 10 years. It is important to prune this plant regularly to maintain its shape and vigor. Pruning scarlet firethorn should be done during late winter or very early spring while the plant is still dormant. Successive thinning of the plant’s overall growth should be done before new growth begins. This will help maintain the shrub’s desired shape and form. Remove dead wood and thin out overcrowded branches, making sure to keep the central stem or most awkward branches that provide the plant’s overall shape. Keep any branch that is thicker than 1/4 inch in diameter. also trim the ends of each branch to maintain the overall shape of the scarlet firethorn. Scarlet firethorn should also be pruned to maintain a desirable size. The shrub can be pruned back to the desired overall height and width, but extreme pruning is not recommended. When pruning scarlet firethorn, always use clean, sharp tools such as loppers, hedge shears, or pruning saws. This will help ensure that the shrub is not damaged in any way. After pruning, remove all debris from the area to discourage pests and diseases.