Santa Cruz Firethorn | Evergreen Barrier & Berry Shrub

Formosa Firethorn

5 Gallon

$46.90

$46.90 $0.00

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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

$46.90 $0.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

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).

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

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
Mature Height: 3-5 ft
Mature Width: 6-10 ft
Growth Rate: Fast
Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
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

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.