Firethorn Pyracantha Saphyr Rouge = 'Cadrou'
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Pyracantha Saphyr Rouge, or 'Cadrou', is a striking evergreen shrub characterized by its glossy dark green leaves which provide a lush backdrop throughout the year. This plant is well-noted for its impressive display of vivid red berries that cluster densely along its branches, creating a burst of color that is particularly eye-catching in the fall and winter seasons. The berries serve as a food source for birds, adding ecological value to the garden. Adding to its ornamental appeal are the white blossoms that emerge in late spring to early summer. These flowers are small and appear in clusters, covering the plant and creating a contrast against the dark green foliage, offering a softer texture to the overall appearance. The entire plant possesses a robust and bushy habit, with branches that may be upright or spreading. Its thorns are a defining characteristic, short but sharp, which makes the plant a popular choice for use as a barrier or hedge. These thorns along with the dense growth habits provide excellent shelter for wildlife. In summary, Pyracantha Saphyr Rouge 'Cadrou' is admired for its year-round beauty, with seasonal changes that range from white floral displays to the prominent red berries, set against evergreen leaves and punctuated by its protective thorns.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Firethorn, Scarlet Firethorn
Common names
Pyracantha Saphyr Rouge 'Cadrou'.
ToxicityTo humans
Firethorn is known to be mildly toxic to humans if ingested. The berries contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when digested. Symptoms of firethorn poisoning may include difficulty breathing, dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is generally advised to avoid consuming any parts of the firethorn plant.
To pets
Firethorn is also toxic to pets, such as cats and dogs, if ingested. The berries and leaves can cause similar symptoms as in humans, including vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing or shock. Pets should be prevented from eating any parts of the firethorn plant to avoid these toxic effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Spread
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Southeast Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Berries: The Pyracantha Saphyr Rouge ('Cadrou') produces abundant bright red berries that add a splash of color to the landscape, particularly in the fall and winter months.
- Wildlife Attraction: The berries provide a valuable food source for birds during the colder seasons when food is scarce.
- Year-Round Interest: With evergreen foliage, flowers in the spring, and berries in the fall and winter, it offers visual interest throughout the year.
- Privacy Screen: Dense growth habit makes it an excellent choice for hedging or as a natural privacy screen.
- Intrusion Deterrent: The plant’s thorny nature can deter intruders when planted under windows or along property boundaries.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care and is relatively drought-tolerant, making it easy to maintain.
- Soil Stabilization: Its root system can help to stabilize slopes and prevent soil erosion.
- Adaptable: It can thrive in a variety of soil conditions and is able to tolerate urban pollution, making it suitable for city landscapes as well as suburban gardens.
- Supports Biodiversity: By providing habitat and food for wildlife, it contributes to local ecological diversity.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Privacy Screens: Due to its dense growth habit, Pyracantha can be pruned and maintained as a privacy screen to shield your garden or home from view.
- Natural Fencing: The thorny branches can act as a deterrent to intruders, making it an effective living fence that adds security to a property.
- Bird Habitat: The dense branches and foliage provide excellent shelter for birds, while the berries offer a food source during the colder months.
- Erosion Control: Pyracantha's robust root system helps stabilize soil on slopes and prevents erosion from water runoff.
- Topiary: The plant can be trained into various shapes and is suitable for topiary work, creating ornamental garden features.
- Urban Gardening: Pyracantha is resilient to pollution, making it well-suited for urban environments with limited green spaces.
- Wildlife Gardening: By providing food and shelter, Pyracantha supports local biodiversity, encouraging a range of insects and small mammals in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: With its bright red berries, Pyracantha adds a splash of color to the garden in autumn and winter when other plants may be dormant.
- Crafts and Decorations: The berries and foliage can be used in floral arrangements and seasonal wreath-making for decoration.
- Photography Focal Point: The vibrant berries and potential for bird activity make Pyracantha a popular subject for garden photographers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Firethorn is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Firethorn is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Pyracantha, commonly known as Firethorn, has sharp thorns which can deter animals and intruders, symbolizing a protective barrier or safeguarding.
- Prosperity: The abundant bright berries of the Firethorn are often associated with prosperity and abundance.
- Good Health: The robust nature of the Firethorn and its prolific fruiting is sometimes seen as a symbol of good health and vitality.
- Hardiness: Firethorn is known for its ability to withstand tough conditions, so it can symbolize strength and resilience.
WaterThe Firethorn 'Cadrou', like other pyracanthas, should be watered thoroughly to establish their root systems, particularly after planting. Once established, they are quite drought-tolerant and will require less frequent watering. In general, watering should be done every one to two weeks, providing 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant, depending on the weather conditions and soil type. During hot or dry periods, water them more frequently to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage.
LightFirethorn 'Cadrou' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location is where the plant will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but it can also tolerate some shade during the day. Avoid deep shade locations, as this can lead to fewer flowers and berries, and can make the plant more susceptible to diseases.
TemperatureFirethorn 'Cadrou' is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, from approximately -10 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. They grow best in moderate climates with temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive brief periods of colder temperatures down to about -10 degrees Fahrenheit, but long-term exposure to extreme cold can damage the plant.
PruningPruning Firethorn 'Cadrou' is necessary to maintain its shape, control its size, and encourage more prolific flowering and berry production. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Prune selectively to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches and to shape the plant as desired. Pruning can be done annually, but always ensure to sterilize your tools to prevent the spread of disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Pyracantha 'Cadrou', commonly known as Firethorn, the ideal soil mix is well-draining with added organic matter, likes slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingFirethorn (Pyracantha 'Cadrou') generally doesn't need frequent repotting; it can be repotted every 2-3 years or when rootbound.
Humidity & MistingFirethorn (Pyracantha 'Cadrou') is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels, typical outdoor humidity is sufficient.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in sunny spot, prune to manage size.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleThe common name of Pyracantha Saphyr Rouge = 'Cadrou' is Saphyr Red Firethorn. Its life cycle begins with seed germination in the spring, which requires exposure to chilling temperatures to break dormancy. Seedlings develop into juvenile plants with thorny branches, and within 2-3 years they reach maturity, capable of flowering and fruiting. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, producing clusters of white blossoms that attract pollinators. By late summer to fall, the flowers develop into bright red-orange berries, providing food for birds and wildlife. The plant is perennial, meaning it can follow this cycle for many years, with some Firethorns living up to 25-30 years if they're in an ideal environment and properly cared for.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Pyracantha 'Cadrou', commonly known as Firethorn, is by semi-hardwood cuttings. This involves taking cuttings from the current year's growth in late summer, usually around August or September. These cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long and include several leaf nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder or solution to encourage root development. The cuttings are then placed in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that at least two nodes are buried in the soil. The pot with the cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment out of direct sunlight until roots have developed, which usually takes a few weeks. Regular misting can help maintain the necessary humidity.
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