Scarlet Firethorn

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 3-6 feet
Spread: 4-6 feet
Flower Color: white
Sun Exposure: Full Sun or Partial Shade

Description:
Scarlet Firethorn, scientifically known as Pyracantha coccinea, is a vibrant and resilient evergreen shrub that can thrive in the Arizona landscape, particularly in regions with a hot and arid climate. Known for its brilliant red berries and thorny branches, Scarlet Firethorn adds a burst of color, wildlife appeal, and security to gardens and outdoor spaces.

One of the most outstanding features of Scarlet Firethorn is its profusion of bright red berries, which appear in clusters and persist throughout the winter months. These berries are not only visually striking but also provide a valuable food source for birds, making the shrub a valuable addition to the landscape for wildlife support. The berries create a visually captivating and festive display of color, especially during the holiday season.

Scarlet Firethorn shrubs typically reach heights of 6 to 10 feet, with a similar spread, creating a well-proportioned and upright form. They are well-suited to Arizona's hot and arid climate, thriving in full sun and requiring well-drained soil. This shrub is known for its drought tolerance once established, making it a valuable choice for water-wise landscaping and xeriscaping.

Maintenance of Scarlet Firethorn includes occasional pruning to control its growth, shape the shrub, and remove dead or overgrown branches. It is also known for its thorny branches, which can act as a natural security barrier, making it suitable for hedges or screening purposes.

In summary, Scarlet Firethorn is a colorful and wildlife-friendly choice for Arizona landscapes, especially in regions with a hot and arid climate. Its bright red berries, upright form, and thorny branches make it a valuable addition to gardens and outdoor spaces, adding both visual beauty and ecological benefits to the desert environment.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Scarlet Firethorn

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-7.5)
• Spacing: Space plants 4-6 feet apart for a bushy, dense growth habit
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Scarlet Firethorn is a self-supporting shrub that requires no staking and grows with vibrant red berries and thorny branches

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 4-5 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 2-3 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Scarlet Firethorn is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant for deep watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 2-4 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks