Pyracantha 'GOLDEN CHARMER' firethorn
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
2-3m
usual width
1-2m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
less showy but noticeable
colour of flowers
blooming time
June-June
location
full to partial sun
soil type
alkaline (lime-based)
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist (dislikes drought)
USDA zone (lowest)
5b (down to -27°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Description of the plant:
Scarlet firethorn has been a favourite plant for a long time because it presents a low-maintenance plant that can grow almost anywhere. Golden Charmer is one of the modern varieties bred not only for berry colour but mostly for disease resistance to common firethorn diseases, mostly scab. Golden Charmer firethorn produces mid-sized, golden yellow berries maturing to the richest colour from mid to late September. Leaves are narrowly ovate, deep green and glossy, mostly evergreen. Branches have thorns. Berries are not edible but not poisonous and are scab resistant.
You can grow firethorn as an upright shrub, trim it into a hedge, or shape it. It is not a climber so needs no support, nevertheless we suggest staking young plants to train a terminal leader. It flowers in June and produces berries on 2-years-old wood (previous year’s) so trimming should be done in early to mid-summer to avoid cutting all flowering branches.
It can take almost any soil type but will thrive in fertile, well-drained soil, reaching about 3m high and 1.5m wide. Firethorn withstands pollution and is therefore often planted at motorways, in towns, and near industrial estates. Fully hardy to min. -27°C (USDA zone 5b).
Last update 27-10-2014
