Firethorn is an attractive specimen tree with rich green foliage and orange-red berries that remain on the shrub during the cold season. It is also suitable for facade greening and as an almost impenetrable hedge plant.
How does the firethorn grow?
Unpruned, the tree from the rose family has a sparsely branched, thorn-studded growth. In good locations, it reaches a height of between four and six meters. Most firethorn varieties are rather slow-growing.
The right planting distance
Do not plant firethorn too closely. In cut hedges, the planting distance should be at least thirty centimeters. If you would like to create a free-growing natural hedge, planting distances of one meter and more are recommended.
particularities
For dense and richly branched growth, you should cut the firethorn regularly.
tips and tricks
Although the firethorn is not one of the native deciduous trees, it is often planted as a bird protection tree. The bright orange-red berries, which remain on the bush for a long time, serve as valuable food for the animals during the cold season. In the protection of the thorn-armored branches, they can raise their young well protected from cats, martens and other enemies.