Pyracantha coccinea – The firebush, a bonsai bursting with color
A 9-year-old outdoor bonsai, one of the most spectacular varieties thanks to its rich colors in every season. Pyracantha coccinea, known as firethorn or firebush, delights with its abundant white spring blossoms and clusters of vivid orange-red berries that color its branches from late summer into winter. A generous, lively bonsai with great visual impact, ideal for sunny gardens, balconies, and terraces.
Included in the kit: Pyracantha coccinea bonsai + drip tray.
Important notes: The bonsai’s shape and dimensions are approximate (including the pot). The pot’s color and shape may differ from those shown in the photos. As these are living plants, their appearance changes with the seasons; the images are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a contractual commitment.
Main characteristics
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Habitat: Outdoors
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Leaf type: Semi-evergreen
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Flowers: Yes – abundant white flowers in spring
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Produces fruit: Yes – orange-red berries from late summer through winter
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Family: Rosaceae
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Approximate dimensions (width × depth × height): 20 × 16 × 35 cm
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Pot size: Under 16 cm
Fun fact
The name Pyracantha comes from Greek: pyr (fire) and akantha (thorn) – literally, “fire thorn”, a reference to the fiery color of its berries and the dense thorns that protect its branches. Although the berries are not suitable for human consumption, they provide valuable nourishment for birds during the winter months, turning the bonsai into a small, living ecosystem.
Placement
Place outdoors in full sun or partial shade. Good sun exposure encourages abundant flowering and berry production. It tolerates winter cold and brief frosts well, but should be protected from very low temperatures that persist below -5°C.
Watering
Water regularly and moderately: generously in summer during active growth, and less in winter. Avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot. Once acclimated, Pyracantha is relatively drought-resistant.
Fertilizing
From spring through fall, use the Hiryo Gold organic-mineral fertilizer or the fast-acting Nutribonsai fertilizer. Do not fertilize during flowering to avoid affecting berry production. Resume fertilizing once the fruit has appeared.
Repotting
Every 2-3 years, in spring before active growth resumes. Work carefully to avoid damaging the fine roots. After repotting, we recommend watering with Mistral Bonsai’s Vitabonsai revitalizer to help the plant recover more quickly.
Substrate
Terrabonsai – a special bonsai substrate that meets the plant’s water and nutrient needs, encouraging root development and overall vigor. Alternatively: 60% Akadama + 40% Kiryuzuna, for excellent drainage.
Pruning
After flowering, between June and July, to preserve the buds that will produce autumn berries. A second light pruning can be done in late winter to maintain the tree’s structure. Watch out for thorns when pruning: protective gloves are recommended.
Pinching
During the growing season, pinch new shoots, leaving 1-2 pairs of leaves to encourage branching and keep the canopy compact.
Wiring
Can be done year-round, preferably in spring or early summer. Take particular care around the thorns when working on the branches.
