3182 Firethorn Pyracantha coccinea Firethorn is a large, evergreen shrub that is cherished for its spectacular fall and winter display of scarlet fruits and ability to withstand dry and droughty conditions. Shooting long lanky stems in all directions, firethorn typically grows into a tangled mound up to 10 ft (3.1 m) in height and 12 ft (3.7 m) wide. It is armed with sharp thorns that hide among the dark, glossy green leaves.

Clusters (corymbs) of small white flowers appear in spring. These are up to 2 in (5 cm) across and are borne close together creating the appearance of nearly solid surface of flowers. In fall the 1/4 in (0.6 cm) berries begin to ripen, their color mellowing from green to shades of red, orange, or yellow. These persist through winter and into early spring depending on climate and appetite of the local bird population. Under bright sunny conditions the berries are plentiful but expect smaller crops in shadier situations. The color of both leaves and berries tends to be darker in cooler climates.

Culture: Not particular about soil and requires little or no supplemental fertilization.
Light: Full sun preferred but will grow in partial to fairly heavy shade. Flowering and fruiting will not be as heavy.
Moisture: Moist to very dry, well drained soil. Hardiness: Zones 5 - 9.
Usage: Pyracantha is often used as an espalier. Held flat against a wall, it can be shaped quite creatively. Because of its fast growth rate, sprawling, spreading habit, and ease of care, it can be used on slopes to great advantage requiring little maintenance or care. The wide-reaching stems may be pruned back as needed during warm weather as the shrub blooms on old wood. Even consider using it as an informal hedge! This will require some trimming and shaping for the first few years but the effort will produce impressively beautiful and secure (thorny) hedges.

Landscapers love the firethorns for their fast rate of growth and ability to withstand drought and neglect. The shrubs ruggedness and disease and pest resistance makes this plant a very popular item in commercial landscapes.
Note: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds.
  Package of 100 seeds, $5.95

LF114 Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus A good hedge, reaching 6-12 ft., that is loaded with flowers in late summer and fall. Needs moist, but well drained soil and can grow in full sun or partial shade in zones 5-9. Plants should be pruned back heavily in winter. Space plants 2-3 ft. apart.
Note: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds.
  Package of 100 seeds, $6.50

LF135 Redbud Cercis Canadensis A good formal hedge growing to 20 ft. in zones 5-9. A mutli-stemmed shrub with heart shaped leaves that are bronzy red when young, giving it the name of Redbud. Prefers moist, but well drained fertile soil.Space plants 2 ft. apart.
Note: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds.
  Package of 100 seeds, $5.00