Pyracantha 'Wateri'
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
Pyracantha 'Wateri' is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 2.5 m (8ft). It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Height (m): 2.5
Where it is found
Not known in the wild.
A hybrid of garden origin, probably P. atalantioides x P. rogersiana.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Tolerant of trimming and of reasonable exposure, it can be grown as a medium to tall hedge.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Hedge: Hedge
How it is grown
Prefers a good well-drained, moisture retentive loamy soil. Succeeds in any soil that is warm and not very heavy. Another report says that it grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in sun or part shade, though it does not fruit so well in a shady position. Plants are tolerant of quite deep shade. Tolerates atmospheric pollution and reasonable exposure. Plants are susceptible to scab and fireblight, especially when they are grown on acid sandy soils.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Remove all the fruit flesh since this can inhibit germination. Stored seed requires 3 months cold stratification, sow it as early in the year as possible in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. This species is a hybrid and will not breed true from seed. Cuttings of almost mature wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, mid-August in a cold frame. Pot up in October or the following spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where most, if not all members of the genus produce hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste. It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.