Pyracantha
Pyracantha is a genus of thorny evergreen shrubs from the family of the Pink (Rosaceae). Species of the genus are common in Southeast Asia, as well as (only Pyracantha coccinea) in southern Europe. It is widely used in culture as an ornamental plant, including on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus in the region of Sochi, as well as in Crimea.
Pyracants are very popular as a decorative culture in areas with a mild climate. The most cold-resistant varieties, originating from narrow-leaved pyracantha and scarlet pyracantha, withstand winters with minimum temperatures not lower than −20 ° С.
Pyracants are valued for plentiful flowering and equally plentiful and colorful fruiting. They can be grown in separate bushes, groups or in the form of hedges. Pyracantha hedges are not only elegant, but also reliably protect the garden thanks to sharp spikes. Fences do not lose their decorativeness in winter, because all winter they are covered with leaves and bright fruits.
Dense foliage and an abundance of berries make planting very attractive to birds. Pyracantha, as well as cotoneaster, is a good honey plant.
Pyracantha culture is uncomplicated, although prickly stems make pruning difficult. She tolerates different soils and partial shade. It can be grown from seeds or green cuttings. It grows fast enough.
It can be quite affected by a bacterial burn, but there are varieties resistant to this disease. Also ill with late blight and scab pyracantha (caused by the fungus Spilocaea pyracanthae).
Pyracants are also known as houseplants. At home, they need to create a cold wintering with a temperature close to 0 ° C or slightly higher. Bonsai are created from pyracants.
Pyracantha fruits are inedible due to their bitter taste, but are not toxic.
