The firethorn is an attractive solitary tree with strong green foliage and orange-red berries that remain on the bush during the cold season. It is also suitable for greening facades and as an almost impenetrable hedge plant.
How does firethorn grow and what planting distance is recommended?
The growth of the firethorn is rather slow and reaches a height of four to six meters in good locations. To ensure dense and richly branched growth, the firethorn should be cut regularly. The recommended planting distance is at least 30 cm for cut hedges and 1 meter for free-growing natural hedges.
How does firethorn grow?
Unpruned, the tree from the rose family has sparsely branched, thorny growth. In good locations it reaches a height of between four and six meters. Most firethorn varieties are slow growing.
The correct planting distance
Do not plant firethorn too closely. In cut hedges, the planting distance should be at least thirty centimeters. If you would like to create a free-growing natural hedge, planting distances of one meter or more are recommended.
Special features
For dense and richly branched growth, you should cut the firethorn regularly.
Tips & Tricks
Despite the firethorn not being one of the native deciduous trees, it is often planted as a bird protection tree. The bright orange-red berries, which remain on the bush for a long time, serve as valuable food for animals during the cold season. In the shelter of the thorny branches they can raise their young well protected from cats, martens and other enemies.
