Rutgers Firethorn

Rutgers Firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea 'Rutgers')

Rutgers Firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea 'Rutgers') is a dense, evergreen shrub bred for improved fire blight resistance and brilliant red-orange berries. Compact and adaptable, it brings structure, wildlife interest, and vibrant color to the landscape while doubling as a natural barrier due to its thorny branches.

Distinctive Features

'Rutgers' Firethorn produces small white flowers in late spring, followed by dense clusters of bright red to orange berries that persist well into winter. Its deep green, leathery leaves remain evergreen in most climates, creating year-round texture. This cultivar typically grows 5 to 7 feet tall and wide, forming a mounded habit with stiff, arching branches equipped with sharp thorns.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Well-drained; tolerant of poor or dry soils once established
• Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
• Water Needs: Low to moderate
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 9

Ideal Uses

• Focal point for fall and winter berry color
• Security planting along fences or foundations
• Low-maintenance wildlife garden addition
• Espalier against sunny walls or trellises
• Informal hedging or screening

Low Maintenance Care

• Prune after berry display or early spring to shape and manage size
• Handle with care�thorns can be sharp and dense
• Mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture
• Water during drought, especially in the first season
• Requires little fertilization once established

Why Choose Rutgers Firethorn

• Improved fire blight resistance over older varieties
• Bright red-orange berries offer long-lasting visual impact
• Evergreen structure enhances year-round appeal
• Dense, thorny growth deters intruders and animals
• A vibrant, bird-attracting focal point with minimal upkeep

Rutgers Firethorn delivers dependable structure, vivid berries, and improved disease resistance�making it a smart focal point or barrier shrub for sunny gardens and hedgerows.