Pyracantha ‘Sparkler’ – A Fiery Evergreen with Brilliant Berries

Pyracantha ‘Sparkler’, commonly known as Firethorn, is an attractive and versatile evergreen shrub that brings colour and structure to the garden all year round. True to its name, it produces clusters of bright, sparkling berries in autumn, lighting up the garden as other plants begin to fade. These berries persist well into winter, providing food for birds and cheerful seasonal colour.

In spring, ‘Sparkler’ is covered in fragrant white flowers that attract bees and pollinators, while its glossy, dark green leaves provide evergreen structure throughout the year. With its dense, thorny growth, it is not only decorative but also highly practical, making an excellent choice for hedges, boundary planting, or wall-training where both security and beauty are needed.

General Information

Pyracantha is native to southern Europe and Asia, valued for its resilience and ornamental qualities. The ‘Sparkler’ variety is particularly well-regarded for its heavy berry production and compact habit.

• Growth habit: Dense, upright shrub with thorny stems

• Height & spread: Typically 2–3m tall and wide, but can be pruned smaller

• Foliage: Glossy, dark green evergreen leaves, providing year-round cover

• Flowers: Clusters of creamy-white flowers in late spring to early summer, lightly scented

• Fruit: Bright orange-red berries in autumn, lasting through winter

• Position: Grows in full sun or partial shade

• Hardiness: Fully hardy and tolerant of frost, wind, and urban pollution

• Soil: Adaptable to most fertile, well-drained soils, including clay and chalk

• Uses: Ideal for hedging, wall-training, screening, or as a specimen shrub

This makes Pyracantha ‘Sparkler’ one of the most versatile garden shrubs, suitable for both ornamental and practical purposes.

Care Guide

Pyracantha ‘Sparkler’ is low-maintenance and very easy to grow, making it suitable for all gardeners. A little seasonal attention will ensure a fantastic display of berries each year.

Planting

• Plant in full sun or partial shade; more sun usually produces heavier berry crops.

• Use fertile, well-drained soil; improve heavy clay with compost and grit.

• For hedging, space plants about 60–90cm apart.

• Mulch after planting to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly during the first year to establish roots.

• Once mature, it is drought-tolerant, needing extra water only during long dry spells.

• Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy growth and berries.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches.

• Avoid hard pruning in summer, as this can reduce berry production.

• If grown against a wall or fence, tie in new shoots to encourage even coverage.

• Take care when pruning, as stems are thorny.

Protection

• Fully hardy and resilient; no winter protection needed.

• Generally disease-resistant, but ensure good air circulation to reduce the risk of scab or fireblight.

• Remove fallen leaves and debris around the base to maintain plant health.

Why Choose Pyracantha ‘Sparkler’?

This bright and reliable evergreen offers the perfect balance of ornamental beauty and practicality. Its spring flowers, glossy green foliage, and fiery berries provide year-round interest, while its thorny stems add value as a secure boundary or hedge.

• Seasonal beauty: Spring flowers, summer foliage, autumn and winter berries

• Wildlife-friendly: Flowers attract pollinators; berries feed birds through winter

• Versatile use: Excellent as a hedge, wall shrub, or specimen planting

• Low-maintenance: Hardy, tough, and easy to grow

• Practical & decorative: Works as both an ornamental feature and a natural security barrier

Pyracantha ‘Sparkler’ is a superb choice for gardeners who want colour, structure, and wildlife value all year round. Whether trained against a wall or grown as a dense hedge, it truly lives up to its name by bringing a sparkling touch to the garden.

• Size
  3 lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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