Scarlet Firethorn 'Red Column'

Scarlet Firethorn 'Red Column' (Pyracantha coccinea 'Red Column') grows as a strikingly upright column of thorny shoots and glossy dark foliage. In late spring the shrub turns white with corymbs of small flowers, and in autumn it is loaded with tight clusters of round red berries that hold on into early winter.

It is the classic choice for a dense thorny hedge that neither the neighbour's dog nor an uninvited guest will get through, and equally good on a wall or in a wildlife garden. A mature plant reaches 2.5-4 m in height and width, and unlike the yellow-fruited 'Soleil d'Or' it keeps a markedly upright crown.

Key characteristics:

• What makes it special: The bright berries are not edible for people, but in winter they feed the birds - the shrub is often planted precisely for the birdsong it brings into a garden.
• Dimensions: At 10 years: 2.5-4 m tall and 2.5-4 m wide.
• Hardiness: Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6).
• Flowering: In May-June the shrub covers itself in white flowers gathered into neat corymbs.
• Light: It grows in both full sun and part shade; best to choose a spot sheltered from cold wind.
• Soil: It likes moderately fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil - chalk, clay or loam.
• Watering: Keep the soil moderately moist and well drained; the species stands up to drought well.
• Care: In spring cut out the old shoots that have already fruited - the young ones will then ripen and carry the next crop of berries.
• Landscape use: It makes an excellent thorny hedge, wall espalier, border and wildlife garden shrub.