Pyracantha

Pyracantha shrubs, garden plants

The compact appearance and the erect posture are the main characteristics of the plants called Pyracantha, belonging to the Rosaceae family. Native to the Asian and European continents, they are composed of very branched thin stems, with thorns, while the foliage is oval, leathery and dark green in color. With the arrival of spring, the period of abundant flowering begins, the small flowers are simple, star-shaped, the color is white and are delicately scented. In autumn, the garden plants of Pyracantha produce the fruits, small in size and gathered in clusters, they can be orange or red according to the different species. Used for ornamental purposes for the construction of formed, vigorous and evergreen hedges, they are also used for rapid growth.

Cultivation techniques of Pyracantha plant species

Pyracantha garden plants are simple shrubs to grow. In fact, they adapt to any type of soil, even to calcareous or clayey ones. These vegetables resist very well to winter temperatures, below zero. They can grow in both sunny and partial shade positions while watering is regular, only during the summer season. Pyracantha specimens, if grown in optimal conditions, easily reach five meters in height. To keep the shape of these shrubs orderly, it is advisable to intervene with targeted pruning, two or three times during the year. To support the vegetative cycle, it is necessary to administer in spring and autumn, a liquid organic fertilizer to be diluted in the irrigation water.

Pyracantha garden plants, propagation methods

The method of sowing, at the end of winter, allows to easily multiply the specimens of Pyracantha. The seeds are placed in containers, filled with soil, composed of peat and sand, they must be protected in temperate and not very bright areas. When the plants are large enough, they can be stored in single, larger pots. Another technique for the reproduction of Pyracantha plants is through semi-woody cuttings. The best times to pick the buds are in spring or autumn. The branches must have no inflorescences and the cut must be oblique. Before placing the cuttings in the pots, it is advisable to treat with rooting powder. The containers should be stored in bright places, away from currents. The engraftment is confirmed with the emission of new leaf buds.

The different species of Pyracanta garden plants

The species called Pyracantha coccinea, is the most widespread and easily found, is characterized by oval-shaped foliage and showy perfumed inflorescences, gathered in white corymbs. A variety of this species is the so-called Pyracantha coccinea Red Column, an evergreen plant stands out for the red berries it produces with the arrival of the autumn season. Or the Pyracantha coccinea Variegata aurea with two-colored foliage and red fruits. Pyracantha Mohave Silver reaches heights of several meters and has cream-colored variegated green foliage. Orange berries, small and narrow leaves for the variety called Pyracantha angustifolia. Finally, Pyracantha Orange Glow produces white, fragrant inflorescences and orange-colored fruits that remain throughout the winter season.