Firethorn Pyracantha Saphyr Orange = 'Cadange'
ABOUT
The Pyracantha Saphyr Orange commonly known as the Firethorn is a striking plant notable for its vivid display of orange berries and dense, glossy green foliage. The leaves of this plant are small to medium in size, oval-shaped, and have a leathery texture with smooth edges, which gives the plant a lush, evergreen appearance throughout the year. One of the most remarkable features of the Firethorn is the abundance of orange berries it produces, which are clustered together in tight bunches. These berries provide a bright splash of color to the plant, especially during the autumn and winter months when they stand out against the backdrop of the dark green leaves. The bright orange berries also attract a variety of birds, making it an excellent choice for bird watchers and nature lovers. The flowers of the Firethorn are equally attractive, though less prominent than the berries. They are small, white, and have a star-like shape, appearing in clusters that cover the plant in the late spring or early summer. These flowers not only add to the beauty of the Firethorn but also give off a delicate fragrance that can enhance the sensory appeal of any garden space. Overall, the Firethorn's combination of dark, shiny green leaves, vibrant orange berries, and dainty white flowers creates an ornamental display that is both visually captivating and versatile, making it a favorite among gardeners and landscapers. Its dense foliage also offers the added benefit of being an excellent choice for creating hedges or privacy screens without dominating the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Firethorn, Saphyr Orange, Cadange.
Common names
Pyracantha Saphyr Orange 'Cadange'.
ToxicityTo humans
Firethorn is known to contain compounds that can be toxic when ingested by humans. The berries and other parts of the plant can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if eaten in significant quantities. It is important to be cautious and to avoid eating any part of the firethorn plant.
To pets
Firethorn can also be toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. If a pet consumes the berries or any other part of the plant, they may experience symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious effects, so it is advisable to keep pets away from the plant and seek veterinary attention if they consume any part of it.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Dark green
Flower color
White
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Southeastern Europe to Southwest Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Ornamental Features: Pyracantha 'Cadange' has striking orange berries and glossy green leaves that add color and visual interest to landscapes.
- Wildlife Habitat: The dense foliage and berries provide shelter and food for birds and other wildlife.
- Year-Round Interest: This evergreen shrub provides interest throughout all seasons with its flowers in spring, berries in autumn, and persistent foliage in winter.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Pyracantha 'Cadange' is quite drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering in suitable climates.
- Easy to Shape: This plant can easily be pruned and shaped, making it ideal for hedges, screens, or topiary designs.
- Low Maintenance: Requiring relatively little care beyond occasional pruning, Pyracantha 'Cadange' is a low-maintenance choice for gardeners.
- Rapid Growth: It is a fast-growing shrub, which can quickly fill in spaces in the landscape.
- Tolerates Various Conditions: This robust plant can thrive in a wide range of soil types and environmental conditions.
- Privacy Screen: Its dense growth habit makes it an excellent natural barrier or privacy screen for property lines or sensitive areas.
- Erosion Control: The extensive root system of Pyracantha 'Cadange' helps stabilize slope areas and control erosion.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pyracantha berries can be used to make a natural dye for fabrics and yarns, offering hues from orange to yellow, depending on the processing.
- The thorny branches can be woven into living fences or barriers to deter trespassers and unwanted animals from entering garden spaces.
- Cut branches of Pyracantha can be used as natural and decorative support stakes for other plants in the garden.
- During winter, the berries provide a food source for birds, supporting local wildlife and birdwatching opportunities.
- Pyracantha can be crafted into festive wreaths and holiday decorations due to its bright orange berries and evergreen foliage.
- In landscape design, Pyracantha can be trained against walls to create ornamental espaliers that shape and enhance building facades.
- Pruned clippings with berries can be submerged in water gardens to add seasonal interest and supports for aquatic plants.
- Dried Pyracantha berries can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for a pop of color and a natural, rustic element in home decor.
- Berries can be crushed to make a natural, albeit temporary, ink for art projects or fabric stamping.
- Pyracantha's dense growth habit makes it an excellent candidate for creating intricate topiary designs in formal gardens.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Firethorn is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Firethorn is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Pyracantha, also known as Firethorn, is often associated with protection due to its sharp thorns. It's commonly used in landscape design as a defensive hedge to safeguard property.
- Prosperity: The abundant bright orange berries of the Firethorn are symbols of prosperity and abundance, reflecting the plant's generous fruiting habit.
- Good Health: The rich presence of berries on the Pyracantha is also seen as a symbol of good health and vitality, possibly due to its robust nature and longevity.
- Hope: As a plant that blooms brightly, even in harsh conditions, the Firethorn can symbolize hope and the enduring nature of life.
- Bravery: The spiky thorns and bold coloration of the Firethorn can represent bravery and courage, as well as the ability to defend oneself.
WaterFirethorn (Pyracantha Saphyr Orange 'Cadange') should be watered deeply to ensure the root system is thoroughly moistened. In the first growing season, water it once or twice a week during dry periods to help establish a strong root system. Once established, firethorns are drought-tolerant and require less frequent watering. During dry spells in the growing season, provide about 1 to 2 gallons of water every two weeks if there has been no significant rainfall. In winter, you can reduce watering even further, only ensuring the plant doesn't completely dry out.
LightFirethorn plants thrive best in full sun to partial shade. Planting them in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight will promote the best growth and berry production. However, they can also tolerate light shade, especially in hotter climates where a bit of afternoon shade can protect them from the intense sun.
TemperatureFirethorns are fairly hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. They prefer an ideal growing temperature between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit but can withstand minimum winter temperatures down to around 10 degrees Fahrenheit. In summer, they can survive high temperatures well over 80 degrees Fahrenheit, as long as they are well-watered.
PruningPruning firethorn is essential to maintain a desirable shape, promote healthy growth, and encourage flowering and berry production. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. However, if you are shaping the plant or removing dead or diseased branches, you can prune as needed throughout the year. Prune it annually to remove any crowded or crossing branches and to keep the plant's size in check.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Firethorn 'Cadange', the best soil mix is well-draining with a mix of loam, peat, and sharp sand to facilitate drainage and aeration. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging between 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingFirethorn 'Cadange' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current pot, which is typically evident when roots start to circle the pot or grow through the drainage holes.
Humidity & MistingFirethorn 'Cadange' is tolerant of a range of humidity levels but prefers moderate humidity; it can thrive in average outdoor humidity without needing any special considerations.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil consistently moist.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade; protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cyclePyracantha 'Cadange', commonly known as Firethorn 'Saphyr Orange', begins its lifecycle with seed germination, which requires stratification to break dormancy. Upon sprouting, the seedling will grow rapidly, especially in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade, establishing foliage and a strong root system. As it matures into a juvenile plant, it will develop thorny branches and can be trained against walls or fences. During spring to early summer, it enters a reproductive phase, erupting in abundant clusters of small white flowers that are attractive to pollinators. Following pollination, the plant’s flowers give way to bright orange berries by late summer or fall, which persist into winter, providing food for birds. With the right conditions and proper pruning, Firethorn 'Saphyr Orange' can cycle through growth, flowering, and fruiting annually for many years, reaching up to 3 meters in height.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Pyracantha 'Cadange', commonly known as Firethorn 'Saphyr Orange', is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The most suitable time to take cuttings for propagation is during the late summer months. To propagate using cuttings, one should select healthy semi-hardwood stems from the current year's growth. These stems should be 6 to 8 inches (around 15 to 20 centimeters) in length and include several leaves. The lower leaves should be removed and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cuttings are then inserted into a well-draining soil mix and kept under conditions of high humidity and indirect light until roots establish, which usually takes several weeks. Regular misting and ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged are key to successful rooting of Firethorn cuttings.
