Scarlet Firethorn is medium-seized evergreen shrub that is often used to make dense hedges used for screening. Along with forming a dense hedge, the stems are armed with thorns, making this shrub especially useful as a screen or border hedge. It needs to be regularly pruned, as this shrub grows quickly. This is not a winter-hardy plant.

Native Range: Europe

Potential invasiveness: This plant is classified as potentially invasive in specific areas of California by the California Invasive Plant Council.

Horticultural use: Screen, Buffer Strip, Espalier or Topiary

Tree Shape: Rounded
Foliage Type: Deciduous
Maximum Tree Height: 20 feet
Canopy Width: 10-20feet
Growth Rate: ~36in/year
Leaf Arrangement and Form: Alternate and Simple
Leaf Shape: Elliptic
Leaf Color: Green
Fall Color: No
Flowers: Showy, Fragrant
Flower Color: Cream or White
Flower Time: Spring
Fruit Size and Color: Small Orange Berry
Fruiting Time: Fall or Winter
Bark Color: Light Green or Light Gray
Bark Texture: Furrowed and Smooth
Litter Type: Wet Fruit

Recommended Planting Area: 2′ to 4′
Water Use Rating: Low
Sunset Climate Zone: 3 – 24
Soil Texture: Loam, Sand or Clay
Soil pH: Very Acidic to Very Alkaline
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Schoolyard Trees: No
Shade Tolerance: No

Branch Strength: Medium
Root Damage Potential: Low
Potential health issues: Irritant
Biogenic Emissions: Low
Wildlife Interactions: Attracts Bees and Birds
Disease and Pest Susceptibility: Armillaria, Fire Blight, Sooty Mold, Root Rot*, Aphids, Scales and Spider Mites
Disease and Pest Resistance: Texas Root Rot and Verticillium
Utility Friendly: Yes