Pyracantha coccinea Lowboy (Scarlet Firethorn)
Low-growing, Pyracantha coccinea ‘Lowboy’ (Scarlet Firethorn) is a thorny, evergreen shrub of spreading habit with glossy, oval, dark green leaves. From late spring to early summer, a profusion of creamy white flowers held in dense clusters cover the arching, spiny branches, and contrast nicely against the dark green foliage. They are followed by masses of shiny berries that ripen to bright orange in fall and persist well into winter. Hungry birds feast on them.
Low-growing, Pyracantha coccinea ‘Lowboy’ (Scarlet Firethorn) is a thorny, evergreen shrub of spreading habit with glossy, oval, dark green leaves. From late spring to early summer, a profusion of creamy white flowers held in dense clusters cover the arching, spiny branches, and contrast nicely against the dark green foliage. They are followed by masses of shiny berries that ripen to bright orange in fall and persist well into winter. Hungry birds feast on them. Versatile, this Scarlet Firethorn cultivar is best planted as a specimen or massed as a vibrant groundcover.
- Grows up to 2-5 ft. tall (60-150 cm) and 3-6 ft. wide (90-180 cm).
- Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Some drought tolerance.
- Great as a specimen plant, shrub borders, foundation plantings, groundcover, and cottage gardens.
- Watch for scab, fireblight and leaf blight.
- Native to southeastern Europe, the Himalayas, and central China.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 6 – 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 6 – 9 |
| Climate Zones | 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Pyracantha – Firethorns |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter |
| Height | 2' – 5' (60cm – 150cm) |
| Spread | 3' – 6' (90cm – 180cm) |
| Spacing | 36″ – 72″ (90cm – 180cm) |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen, Semi-Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
| Tolerance | Clay Soil, Drought |
| Attracts | Birds |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Ground Covers |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |