Pyracantha

Mine is heaving with berries this year

I can't really help with gardening questions. However, you have reminded me of when I was a child and ate some of the colourful berries. My panic-stricken mother came rushing out into the garden and asked me how many I had eaten. I was two years old and not really very adept at counting, but replied, with great aplomb, apparently, "About 14, I think".

Prune it so that only side shoots are able to grow. So only cut the top but also the front.

Do try not to cut any branches with berries on as not only do they ripen to a bright glow in the autumn but are a good source of fruit for the birds. When the birds have feasted then cut them back.

Pyracanthus come in three colours, red, orange and yellow. I have all three on a north east facing wall but the yellow doesn’t seem quite as sturdy.

You can prune them quite ruthlessly in the spring and it will grow rapidly. If it doesn’t bush out as much as you would like you could always buy a second plant.

A pyracantha hedge superb burglar deterrent. The thorns are long and sharp. Trod on once and it came through the sole of my shoe, but luckily not far enough to do damage.
Be careful when pruning!

Thanks Moorland Mooner yes I'll be watchful.

MayBee70

Just watch yourself with the thorns when you prune it. They’re evil!

They are!

We got rid of ours and planted a climbing hydrangea instead.

Just watch yourself with the thorns when you prune it. They’re evil!

Granniesunite

Is that the same advice for a hedge? Tall spindly bits on mine but I want it to thicken out and cover a fence ?

Exactly the same advice Granniesunite.

Don't forget until at least September we're in the bird nesting season, so please be careful to check for nests before you cut a hedge.

Is that the same advice for a hedge? Tall spindly bits on mine but I want it to thicken out and cover a fence ?

Thanks for your advice

There is a pyracantha hedge on my boundary. I trim the top and my side very few weeks, but because next door doesn't cut her side the hedge has grown wider and wider. This proves what MM says above.

Plants all want to grow tall so put all the energy into the leading shoot which can make them tall and spindly. If you take the tall spindly shoot down to just above a couple of side shoots it should put it's energy into bushing out.

These are really hardy plants so you shouldn't go too far wrong.