Pyracantha Orange Star

The 'Orange Star' Pyracantha is a recent variety appreciated for its lack of thorns, which generally characterise firethorns, often used in defensive hedges. In May-June, it is covered with clusters of white flowers, beneficial to pollinating insects followed by many large, bright orange berries. They are decorative and remain on the bush throughout winter, serving as food for birds. Plant this evergreen bush in an informal hedge or a border. You can also train its branches as a climber or grow it in a container. It will adapt to all types of soil and grow well in sun and partial shade making it one of the easiest plants to succeed with!

From the Rosaceae family, Pyracanthas are native to Asia and southern Europe. Due to its thorny branches, it was traditionally planted in defensive hedges. However, its decorative berries that feed the birds and its nectar-rich flowers make it an asset for garden biodiversity. 'Orange Star' is a recent Dutch variety, 2021, obtained by Van der Sar VOF. This shrub has an upright and bushy habit, reaching up to 2m high and 1m wide. Its branches are thornless, unlike the majority of pyracanthas. Its evergreen leaves are a beautiful dark green. In spring, in May-June depending on the climate, it is covered with clusters of white flowers, particularly attractive to pollinators. This is followed by large round, green berries that turn bright orange in late summer. These non-edible fruits persist on the bush for a long time, until Christmas and even beyond. Cut a few branches to enhance your cut flowers.

This thornless variety has no use in defensive hedges. It is easy to grow in a large container or in a border alongside flowering shrubs. Its branches can also be trained against a wall. The 'Orange Star' pyracantha plays an essential role in maintaining garden biodiversity: its nectar-rich flowers attract pollinating insects and its berries feed birds in winter. So why not integrate it into a countryside hedge that provides food and shelter for birds seeking refuge in our gardens? Pair the 'Orange Star' pyracantha with an 'Everest Perpetu' ornamental apple tree and a guelder rose. The fruits of these two shrubs are also appreciated by birds.