Plant Profile: Pyracantha koidzumii

Formosa Pyracantha is a medium-sized evergreen shrub that can reach heights of up to 18 feet. It features an upright, rigid, and thorny structure. This plant produces striking yet notably foul-smelling flowers from late spring to early summer. In the fall, it bears vibrant orange-red berries that remain through the winter months. Due to its sharp thorns, regular pruning is necessary to maintain a tidy appearance. Formosa Pyracantha serves well as an espalier, a barrier, or a standalone specimen. It is often mistaken for P. coccinea, but can be easily identified by its leaves, which are widest at the tip and truncate, in contrast to the tapering leaves of P. coccinea that are broadest in the middle. Transplanting this shrub can be challenging. It thrives in partial shade and is well-suited to hot, dry environments, preferring a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.5. However, it is susceptible to various pests, including lacebugs, scale, mites, fireblight, and fruit scab disease. While it grows quickly, it is not particularly appealing to birds. The 'Lowdense' cultivar is a dwarf variety known for its heavy berry production.

**Wildlife Value:** Notably resistant to deer damage.

**Site:** Adaptable to hot, dry locations.

**Form:** A large, multi-stemmed shrub with stiff, upright branches that can become unruly over time, exhibiting a dense and irregular spread.

**Quick Identification Tips:**