Formosa Firethorn

Formosa Firethorn

5 Gallon
$46.90
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Formosa Firethorn
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Formosa Firethorn

Pyracantha koidzumii ‘Santa Cruz'

A thorny, vigorous evergreen for an unbeatable display of orange-red berries and an effective barrier.

$46.90
Container sizeSize guide 5 Gallon

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Description

Formosa Firethorn is a spectacular evergreen shrub prized for its breathtaking, long-lasting display of dense orange-red berries. It produces masses of small, creamy-white flowers in spring that completely cover the arching branches, followed by an immense crop of vibrant berries that ripen in fall and often persist through winter, attracting flocks of birds. Its growth is vigorous and spreading, armed with sharp thorns, making it an incredibly effective and beautiful barrier hedge or espalier subject for sunny, well-drained locations.

  • Prolific, Long-Lasting Berries: Bears exceptionally dense and showy clusters of bright orange-red berries that provide outstanding fall and winter color.

  • Impressive Spring Bloom: Covered in a blanket of small, creamy-white flowers in mid-spring, which are highly attractive to bees and pollinators.

  • Formidable Barrier Plant: Its vigorous, arching branches are equipped with sharp thorns, creating an impenetrable and decorative hedge for security and privacy.

  • Tough & Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is very resilient to heat, drought, and poor soils, thriving in challenging conditions with minimal care.

  • Versatile Training: Can be grown as a large, free-standing shrub, trained as an espalier against a wall, or sheared into a formal hedge (though this may reduce flowering).

Quick Facts

Processed facts

  • Mature height: 3-5 ft
  • Mature spread: 6-10 ft
  • Light: Full sun to partial shade

Needs confirmation

  • Features:Foliage: Glossy, deep green elliptical leaves with leathery texture,Flowers: Masses of tiny white blossoms covering arching branches (spring),Fruit: Dense clusters of vivid orange-red berries persisting through winter,Growth Habit: Sprawling, thorny evergreen with vigorous spreading habit
  • Growth Rate: Fast
  • Key Advantages:Outstanding wildlife value,Impenetrable barrier plant,Exceptional drought tolerance,Four-season interest,Adaptable to poor soils
  • Landscape Uses:Security hedges,Erosion control on slopes,Cottage garden accents,Espalier specimens,Bird sanctuary plantings

Faqs

Q: Is it susceptible to fire blight or scab?
A: The Formosa species (Pyracantha koidzumii) and its cultivars, like 'Santa Cruz', are generally considered more resistant to the common diseases fire blight and scab that plague some other firethorns. Proper planting in full sun with good air circulation further reduces disease risk.

Q: Can it be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be successfully grown in large containers to control its size and create a stunning patio specimen. Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure the pot is large enough to accommodate its root system. Regular pruning will be necessary to manage its size.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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5 Gallon

5 Gallon

A popular size for shrubs, screening plants and young trees. Large enough to make an immediate difference in the garden while still manageable for most residential projects.

Explore 5 Gallon Plants

Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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