Pyracantha coccinea SAPHYR ROUGE - Scarlet Firethorn

Pyracantha coccinea SAPHYR ROUGE 'Cadrou' has all the qualities of the bushes in the Saphyr range, developed by INRA, offering the advantage of resistance to diseases such as bacterial fire blight and scab that affect old varieties. Both ornamental and incredibly robust, they have restored the nobility of these spiky shrubs that have long been relegated to a defensive role and maintained without care. When left to grow freely, it quickly develops a slightly unruly habit, with branches laden with bright red berries shining in the autumn light. Its branches curve with age, which allows it to be trained on an arch. In spring, the white flowering attracts numerous pollinating insects, while its berries provide food for birds during winter. It is one of the most easy-to-grow shrubs, even in poor soils. Generously endowed by nature, it deserves to be truly integrated into the garden's decor!

Native to Asia and southern Europe, pyracanthas have given rise to many horticultural varieties. Like cotoneasters, they belong to the Rosaceae family. Pyracantha coccinea SAPHYR ROUGE 'Cadrou', with vigorous growth, has a slightly drooping, bushy habit, reaching 3 m (9.8 ft) in height and 2 m to 3 m (6.6 ft to 9.8 ft) in width. Its flowering period extends from May to July, depending on the mildness of the climate. Numerous clusters of small pure white flowers appear along the branches in corymbs. This flowering is nectar-rich and pleasantly scented. It is followed by the formation of bright red berries, 1 cm (0.4 in) wide. The shiny, dark green foliage persists in winter and remains dense. The branches, tinged with red, are equipped with formidable thorns that arch as they age. 

The modern pyracantha tolerates any growing conditions and does not suffer from geometric or more or less artistic pruning. A blessing for uncultivated or even rocky soils, it brings colour and texture to neglected gardens and to abandoned boundaries. Its abundant colourful fruit in autumn and winter will ensure a stunning display. Perfect for creating defensive hedges, it will protect the garden from prying eyes and shelter many small beneficial animals. In a hedge, mix it with other varieties to play with different fruit colours, but also with other shrubs such as cotoneasters, hollies, elaeagnus, deciduous or evergreen euonymus, brooms, and bay laurels.