Pyracantha koidzumii Santa Cruz (Formosa Firethorn)

Pyracantha koidzumii ‘Santa Cruz’ (Formosa Firethorn) is a thorny, evergreen shrub of spreading habit with glossy, oval, dark green leaves. In late spring to early summer, a profusion of white flowers held in dense clusters cover the arching branches, and contrast nicely against the dark green foliage. They are followed by masses of shiny berries that ripen to bright red-orange in fall, and persist well into winter. Versatile, this Formosa Firethorn cultivar is best planted as a specimen, impenetrable hedge or as a vibrant groundcover.

Pyracantha koidzumii 'Santa Cruz' (Formosa Firethorn) is a thorny, evergreen shrub of spreading habit with glossy, oval, dark green leaves. In late spring to early summer, a profusion of white flowers held in dense clusters cover the arching branches, and contrast nicely against the dark green foliage. They are followed by masses of shiny berries that ripen to bright red-orange in fall, and persist well into winter. Versatile, this Formosa Firethorn cultivar is best planted as a specimen, impenetrable hedge or as a vibrant groundcover.

  • Grows up to 3-5 ft. tall (90-150 cm) and 6-10 ft. wide (180-300 cm).
  • Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Drought tolerant.
  • Great as a specimen plant, shrub borders, foundation plantings, groundcover, cottage gardens.
  • Watch for scab, fireblight and leaf blight.
  • Native to Taiwan.

Requirements

Hardiness 7
– 9

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 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 3'
– 5'
(90cm
– 150cm)
Spread 6'
– 10'
(180cm
– 3m)
Spacing 72″
– 120″
(180cm
– 300cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen, Semi-Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Hedges and Screens, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage