Firethorn

About this plant

Pyracantha X 'Mohave', commonly known as Firethorn, is a standout evergreen shrub renowned for its striking ornamental appeal. Throughout the fall and winter months, this vigorous plant becomes a beacon in the landscape, heavily laden with clusters of vibrant, long-lasting orange-red berries that persist well into the cold season, providing both visual interest and sustenance for local wildlife. Its dense, glossy green foliage offers a lush backdrop all year long. Beyond its stunning berry production, 'Mohave' Firethorn is a highly versatile and resilient shrub. It features an upright, spreading growth habit, making it suitable for a variety of landscaping applications, from a formidable barrier or hedge to an espaliered specimen against a wall. Its thorny branches also offer natural security and deter unwanted traffic. This cultivar is celebrated for its excellent disease resistance, particularly to fire blight and scab, ensuring a healthy and low-maintenance addition to your garden. Its adaptability to various soil conditions and urban environments further solidifies its status as a top choice for a vibrant and enduring landscape.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Easily grown in average, well-drained soils. Prune selectively after fruiting to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Can be trained as an espalier or hedge. Fertilize in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.