Pyracantha is a decorative evergreen shrub loved by gardeners for its white-creamy fragrant flowers, which are abundantly strewn in the spring, and shiny berries (yellow, red, orange) that stand out clearly against the autumn-winter background.
Plant description
Pyracantha, planting and caring for which is a real pleasure for many gardeners, originally from Southeast Asia, is widespread in southern Europe, China, Taiwan, is found at the foot of the Himalayas and in the Crimea.
A representative of the Rosaceae family under natural conditions reaches a 6-meter height and looks very similar to hawthorn and cotoneaster. Dark green leaves are oval in shape and sharp, long (up to 2.5 cm) thorns in early summer can completely hide under fragrant small flowers, united in corymbose inflorescences. At the end of summer, abundant flowering is replaced by the appearance of berries colored in autumn tones and present on the branches almost until the end of winter.
Fruits of a pyracantha love to feast on birds, especially blackbirds. Gardeners are of little interest to the
autumn crop because of the bitterness contained in the berries. Although for humans, the fruits of pyracants are not dangerous.
Plant species
Pyracantha, the planting and care features of which even a beginner gardener can easily master, has 7 types of shrubs:
- Koizumi (representative of Taiwan).
- Rogers (grows in Yunnan).
- Dentate.
- South Chinese.
- Toothed.
- Bright red.
- Narrow-leaved.
In horticultural culture, the latter two species are most in demand, which are the basis for breeding new varieties and hybrids in selection science.
Narrow-leaved pyracantha (P.augustifolia) is most suitable for cultivation in temperate climates. Plant height - up to 4 meters, flowers - white, small, fruits - bright orange color.
Pyracantha bright red (P.coccinea) is lower (about 2 meters). It is characterized by a magnificent spreading crown and orange color of berries. The leaves are dark green. In the fall, they become red.
In the care, the plant, which is called “fire spike” in English, is quite unpretentious, calmly tolerates drought and frost. In order to preserve the saturated green color of the leaves from the scorching rays of the sun during the hot period, it is better to plant pyracants in partial shade. There should be no drafts and close groundwater in the place of landing.
Pyracantha: landing and care
The photo clearly demonstrates the charmingly luxurious beauty of the pyracantha. Like any plant, an evergreen crop feels most comfortable in fertile soil.
In the absence of such, it adapts to the surrounding conditions, even if it will be sandy slopes and rocky scree. Irrigation measures are not necessary: a pyracantha, planting and caring in the open field for which are not laborious, feels calm even in the dry period.
An important factor in caring for an evergreen perennial characterized by active growth is pruning. It should be carried out every year: in the early spring (before the movement of juices) and in the summer. In spring, the bush is cleaned from the sick and old branches, in the summer it is recommended to shorten the long young shoots. To avoid injury, contact with the plant should only be worn with gloves.
Propagation Features
After summer pruning, the remaining tops can be used to propagate the shrub. With this method (cuttings), all the features of the parent plant are preserved. Cuttings in the lower part must be freed from the mass of leaves, placed in wet sand. The first roots will appear in 2 weeks, an increase after a couple of months. Young plants can be planted at a constant place of growth the next year. For the formation of hedges, 2-year-olds are optimally suited, it is recommended to arrange them no closer than half a meter from each other. Full bushes can be admired in 3 years.
The pyracantha, planting and care of which consists of a minimum of measures, is also propagated by seed, sowing both in autumn and in spring (after stratification of the seeds). It should be borne in mind that with this method of planting varietal characters are not saved.
Pyracantha in landscape design
Pyracantha, landing and caring for which is not particularly difficult, is an excellent option for landscaping and is widely in demand as a hedge: beautiful, lush, reliably protecting private estates from visits by uninvited guests.
The Pyracantha Red Column is most suitable for this purpose. Planting and care when properly performed provide the plant with a demand for garden design. An evergreen culture that creates an atmosphere of naturalness and imitation of a wild forest is harmonious in the background of a mixed flower garden (mixborder) and often lands near the walls of houses and other farm buildings. Such a shrub is not suitable for vertical gardening, therefore, its main branches are recommended to be attached to the supports.
After removal of the support, the plant, which has the ability to get used to, will continue to maintain a given shape.
Indoor cultivation of pyracants
Pyracantha, the planting and care of which even a beginner gardener can do, is quite popular as a tub plant and is in demand in such a form of art as bonsai (the creation of miniature trees). The garden culture looks incredibly beautiful with a topiary haircut, as well as a crown shaped as a cascade.
Semi-lignified shoots are difficult to shape, so corrective actions are best done on young branches and do it very carefully because of the fragility of the latter. When indoor pyracantha is cultivated, it is important to ensure regular pruning and ensure a cool climate in the winter. Potted specimens are transplanted every 2-3 years by a transshipment method that ensures the preservation of the root system.