Pyracantha ‘Orange Glow’ / orange Firethorn

Botanical Name: Pyracantha ‘Orange Glow’
Mature Height: 2-3m
Mature Spread: 2-2.5m
Growth Rate: Fast
Flowering Period: May to June
Berry Display: September to February
Hardiness: Fully hardy to -15°C
Soil: Any well-drained soil
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Evergreen: Yes

Like nature’s own fireworks display, Pyracantha Orange Glow transforms the autumn and winter garden into a spectacular showcase of brilliant orange berries that seem to set the landscape ablaze with warmth and colour. This magnificent evergreen shrub offers not one but two seasons of glory – first with its frothy clouds of creamy-white flowers that dance across dark green foliage in late spring, then with its breathtaking autumn transformation into a living tapestry of glowing orange fruits.

The magic truly begins as summer fades, when clusters of small berries ripen from green through yellow to their final spectacular orange, creating a display so vibrant it can be seen from across the garden. These jewel-like fruits persist well into winter, providing essential food for thrushes, blackbirds, and other garden visitors when natural resources are scarce, making your garden a haven for wildlife during the darker months.

This robust and adaptable beauty thrives in Ireland’s changeable climate, equally at home as a striking specimen plant, trained against walls and fences, or clipped into formal hedging. Its naturally dense, thorny habit makes it an excellent choice for security hedging that’s both beautiful and practical, while its tolerance of urban pollution and coastal conditions makes it perfect for challenging locations where other plants might struggle.

Planting: Extremely adaptable to soil conditions but prefers well-draining ground. Plant in spring or autumn, spacing 1.5-2m apart for hedging. Water thoroughly after planting and apply organic mulch around the base. For wall training, plant 30cm away from the structure.

Care & Maintenance: Very low-maintenance once established. Water during dry spells in the first year. Feed lightly with general fertiliser in spring if desired, though this robust plant rarely needs feeding. Exceptionally drought and pollution tolerant.

Pruning: For informal shrubs, prune lightly in late winter, removing crossing or damaged branches. For wall-trained specimens, prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage berry production. Avoid heavy autumn pruning as this removes the berry display. Wear thick gloves due to sharp thorns.

Companion Planting: Stunning backdrop for autumn-flowering perennials like asters or Japanese anemones. Pairs beautifully with evergreen structural plants like box or yew for formal schemes. Plant with other berry-producing shrubs like cotoneaster or holly for extended wildlife interest.

Seasonal Interest: Spring brings fresh growth and abundant white flowers beloved by bees, summer develops green berries, autumn showcases the spectacular orange display, and winter maintains both berries and evergreen structure while feeding garden birds.