Teton Scarlet Firethorn
Pyracantha coccinea 'Teton'
Height: 15 feet
Spread: 15 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 5
Description:
A broadleaf evergreen which features brilliant orange fruit in fall lasting throughout winter, very showy, also bears pretty white flower clusters in spring; needs full sun and well-drained soil.
Ornamental Features
Teton Scarlet Firethorn is primarily grown for its highly ornamental fruit. The orange fruits are held in abundance in spectacular clusters from early to late fall. It features showy clusters of white flowers held atop the branches in late spring. It has dark green evergreen foliage. The glossy oval leaves turn coppery-bronze in the fall, which persists throughout the winter.
Landscape Attributes
Teton Scarlet Firethorn is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.
This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;
- Spiny
Teton Scarlet Firethorn is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Accent
- Mass Planting
- Hedges/Screening
- General Garden Use
- Topiary
Planting & Growing
Teton Scarlet Firethorn will grow to be about 15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 feet. It tends to be a little leggy, with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.
This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in both summer and winter to conserve soil moisture and protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.
