PYRACANTHA RED COLUMN

Pyracantha 'Red Column' Care Guide

Pyracantha 'Red Column' is a hardy, evergreen shrub valued for its dense growth, glossy green foliage, and striking red berries in autumn and winter. This thorny shrub is ideal for hedging, wall training, and wildlife gardens, providing year-round interest and security. It is also a low-maintenance plant, making it a fantastic choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Ideal Growing Conditions

• Botanical Name: Pyracantha ‘Red Column’
• Common Name: Firethorn ‘Red Column’
• Plant Type: Evergreen flowering and berry-producing shrub
• Mature Size: Reaches 2.5m - 3m in height with a spread of 1.5m - 2m.
• Foliage: Glossy, dark green leaves, providing year-round interest.
• Flowers: Small white flowers appear in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators.
• Berries: Clusters of vibrant red berries appear in autumn and persist through winter, feeding birds.
• Hardiness: Fully hardy in USDA Zones 6-9, tolerating frost and cold temperatures.
• Growth Rate: Fast-growing, making it an excellent hedging or screening plant.

Light and Soil Requirements

• Light: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. More sun results in better flowering and berry production.
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but is adaptable to various soil types.
• pH Level: Tolerates neutral to slightly acidic or alkaline soils.

Watering and Moisture

• Newly Planted Shrubs: Water regularly during the first 6-12 months to establish strong roots.
• Established Plants: Drought-tolerant, but occasional deep watering during dry spells is beneficial.
• Container Plants: Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Ensure adequate drainage.

Planting and Maintenance

How to Plant Pyracantha 'Red Column'

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or autumn for root establishment.
• Spacing: 1-1.5m apart when used for hedging.
• Planting Depth: Place the root ball at soil level and firm soil around the base.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning and Shaping

• Minimal Pruning Required: Naturally maintains a dense, upright habit.
• Best Time to Prune: Late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
• What to Remove: Cut back overly long or unruly branches to maintain shape.
• Shaping: Ideal for wall training using wires or supports.

Feeding and Fertilization

• Spring Feeding: Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
• Summer Boost: Apply an organic mulch around the base to improve soil health.
• Avoid Overfeeding: Excessive nitrogen can reduce berry production.

Common Pests, Diseases, and Seasonal Care

Potential Pests and Diseases

• Fireblight: A bacterial disease that causes wilting and blackened shoots.
  • Solution: Prune affected branches and improve air circulation.
• Scab: Can cause dark spots on leaves and fruit.
  • Solution: Remove infected foliage and apply a fungicide if necessary.
• Aphids: May infest new growth, leading to curled leaves.
  • Solution: Use soapy water spray or introduce beneficial insects like ladybirds.

Seasonal Care Tips

• Spring: Prune lightly, apply fertilizer, and check for pests.
• Summer: Water during dry spells and maintain mulch.
• Autumn: Enjoy the display of vibrant red berries and remove any fallen leaves.
• Winter: Protect young plants from harsh frost with extra mulch.

Landscape Uses and Wildlife Benefits

Pyracantha 'Red Column' is a versatile and functional shrub that offers ornamental beauty and practical benefits. It is commonly used for:

• Security hedging – The thorny branches act as a natural deterrent.
• Wildlife gardens – Provides food and shelter for birds and pollinators.
• Wall training – Can be trained against fences or trellises.
• Mixed borders – Adds structure, greenery, and seasonal interest.

Ideal Companion Plants

• Holly (Ilex) – Complements Pyracantha's evergreen form and berries add extra winter interest.
• Lavender – Provides a fragrant, pollinator-friendly contrast.
• Cotoneaster – Another berry-producing shrub that enhances wildlife appeal.
• Ornamental grasses – Adds texture and movement to the garden.

Summary

Pyracantha 'Red Column' is a low-maintenance, evergreen shrub that thrives in sun or partial shade with well-drained soil. With its white flowers in spring, dense green foliage, and striking red berries in autumn, it is perfect for hedging, wall training, and wildlife-friendly gardens. Its thorny structure makes it an excellent security plant, and it requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape. Easy to grow and highly adaptable, Pyracantha 'Red Column' is an ideal choice for year-round interest in any garden

• Latin name
  PYRACANTHA RED COLUMN
• Size
  3.5lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

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Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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