Formosan Firethorn
pyracantha koidzumii
Also known as: ["Formosan Pyracantha","Tawian Firethorn"]
Overview
A thorny evergreen shrub native to Taiwan, known for its dense foliage and bright orange-red berries.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Pyracantha |
| Botanical Name: | Pyracantha koidzumii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter for fertility.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to direct sun. Protect from intense midday sun in summer. Indoors, place near a south-facing window with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh light; monitor for leaf burn.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 7–9; prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth. Tolerates mild frosts but may suffer in prolonged freezing temperatures.
Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain consistent temperatures for flowering.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize only during active growth; water before and after application; avoid contact with roots.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F) are ideal.
Medium
Peat-based mix with added perlite or sand for drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; plants may take a full growing season to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags or propagation dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a dome; check for roots after 4 weeks.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy, heading back to shape, and selective removal of crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased wood to improve air circulation and fruit production.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers for thicker stems, pruning saw for large branches, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune before flowering, remove dead/diseased wood, shape evenly, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are clear.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, refresh soil mix, ensure good drainage, and water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot only when root-bound or soil is depleted, typically every 2–3 years for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Check root boundness, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, ensure drainage, water well, place in shade for recovery.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting foliage, adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days in spring/summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall/winter. Adjust based on rainfall and temperature.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Prolonged cold can damage buds and young growth, leading to dieback or reduced flowering the following season.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter, protect with burlap in severe cold, and avoid planting in frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced fruit set due to dehydration and stress.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade, increase watering frequency, and use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer, apply in spring/summer, water before/after, avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth. Apply a second light feeding in midsummer if needed. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas to prevent excessive foliage at the expense of flowers/fruit.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal distress if they ingest the berries. The cyanogenic glycosides present can cause discomfort but are unlikely to be severely toxic.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe berries can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides. While generally not life-threatening, ingestion should be monitored.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Pyracantha koidzumii contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide upon digestion. Ingestion can lead to mild gastrointestinal distress and other systemic effects, though severe toxicity is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pyracantha koidzumii toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does Pyracantha koidzumii attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers and berries.
Q: How should Pyracantha koidzumii be pruned?
A: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage berry production.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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