Rogersiana Firethorn
pyracantha rogersiana
Also known as: ["Yellow Firethorn"]
Overview
A thorny evergreen shrub with dense, glossy foliage and clusters of bright yellow berries in autumn.
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 rogersiana |
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":"–12–38°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; light shaping as needed throughout the year.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if rejuvenation is needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates light shade but may produce fewer berries.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sunlight to prevent scorching. Place in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade in hot climates. Indoors, provide bright indirect light supplemented with grow lights if needed.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; prioritize deep watering over frequent shallow watering.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is not compacted; avoid waterlogged conditions; amend with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 6–9. Prefers temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates cold down to -10°F (-23°C) but may suffer in prolonged extreme heat.
Avoid placing near drafty windows or heat vents; use shade cloth in summer; protect from frost in winter.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize before new growth emerges; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup; water thoroughly after fertilizing.
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 with a plastic cover.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with added perlite or sand for drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pots after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bags or propagator, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open up the plant; heading back to control size; selective removal of crossing or weak branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage berry production, and remove dead or diseased wood. Light pruning after flowering is ideal.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers, pruning saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/diseased wood; shape evenly; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim rootbound roots; replace with fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Young plants may need repotting annually.
Checklist
Use fresh soil mix; check for pests; prune roots if necessary; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; avoid waterlogging.
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. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
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, bud drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat; leaf burn or dieback in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Prolonged cold can damage leaves and stems, reducing vigor and berry production. Frost can cause dieback in young growth.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base to insulate roots. Protect with frost cloth or burlap in severe cold. Prune damaged growth in spring after the last frost.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering. High humidity combined with heat may lead to fungal diseases.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates. Increase watering frequency but ensure good drainage. Improve air circulation to reduce humidity.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; follow label instructions; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply a light dose of liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season (spring to early fall). Reduce or stop fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are more sensitive to toxins than dogs. Ingestion of Pyracantha rogersiana berries can lead to gastrointestinal distress and other symptoms due to cyanogenic glycosides.
⚠️ 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. Symptoms are typically mild but can be more severe in small or sensitive dogs.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Pyracantha rogersiana contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested. In small quantities, they may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, but larger amounts can lead to more severe symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pyracantha rogersiana suitable for hedges?
A: Yes, its dense growth habit and thorny nature make it an excellent choice for security hedges.
Q: How should I prune Pyracantha rogersiana?
A: Prune after flowering to encourage berry production and maintain shape.
Q: Are the berries edible?
A: The berries are mildly toxic to humans but can be processed to make jelly after proper preparation.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
