A row of firethorn bushes is planted along the northeast side of our garage. There are 7 or 8 bushes crammed into this space and they all seem to be growing into one another. Two bushes on one end of this row have orange berries on them; the rest just leaves. Would it be possible to remove every other bush to get some air in there without damaging root systems of the ones I want to keep? Would the thinning procedure encourage remaining bushes to bear fruit? Is there something else I can do to change these bushes from an eyesore to an asset?
Pruning and some soil corrections may be all you need.
Pyracantha are often planted and grown as a hedge so if this is the reason for you plantings you may not want the look of spaces in-between the bushes.
You likely would do some damage to plants in attempts to remove some but if you do attempt this wait until the they are dormant.
I would start with a soil test. Your lack of berries is likely from to much Nitrogen in the soil.
You can adjust this with an application of Phosphorous rich fertilizer like Bone Meal.
Here are some links for you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/firethorn/care-of-firethorn-bush.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/gardengroup/pointy-plants/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/bone-meal-fertilizer.htm
A pretty one with lots of berries approx. 4 ft high.
This is a Pyracantha.
Here is a link with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/firethorn/care-of-firethorn-bush.htm
When is the best time to prune a pyracantha bush?
Any heavy pruning should be delayed until late winter or early spring just prior to new growth.
It's April, and the berries from last fall are still red and vibrant. Bush looks very healthy, but no sign of flowers. This doesn't seem 'normal.'
Your Firethorn will likely began flowering as it begins to warm and the sunlight intensifies.
As long as the shrub appears healthy there is no concern.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/firethorn/care-of-firethorn-bush.htm
We have a substantial hedge around our garden of Pyracantha. It is 14 feet high and has been great feature for privacy from last year we have noticed a section has started to die and concerned that it may spread to the rest of the hedge. As you can appreciate this has taken a considerable number of years to establish. Can you give any reasons as to the possible cause? The only thing different in this area is that I have had horseradish growing and the roots would have mingled. Could this be the problem? I have since taken the horseradish out but may be too late. Your advice would be welcomed.
Here are 2 very good links.
It's possible your plant could have been affected by Pyracantha Scab.
If you see no signs of disease or insects, it's most likely a pruning issue.
Here are a couple of links with more information.
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/PLANTS/pyracantha.html
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/firethorn/care-of-firethorn-bush.htm
Please let us know if you have any other gardening questions and happy gardening!
Pyracantha has plenty of flowers and then buds, but then dies back.
Overly damp conditions can cause fireblight in your shrub.
The links below will help you with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/firethorn/care-of-firethorn-bush.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/fire-blight-remedies-and-symptoms.htm
Good day, My lovely pyracantha is being attacked by what looks like white/albino flying gnats. The shrub/tree is suffering, leaves being eaten/destroyed. When watering, I spray the shrub and hundreds of white gnat-like insects scatter only to return to the bush. Is there some organic spray/mixture I can make to combat this before I lose the shrub? Thank you, I would be most appreciative, Irene
Neem oil can be used to treat White Fly. Neem oil is organic, safe for people and pets.
Here are some articles that will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/whitefly-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm