Firethorn 'Gnome' is a compact, cold-hardy evergreen shrub grown for its dense habit and spectacular winter fruit display. This narrowleaf firethorn reaches 4 to 6 feet tall and wide, making it smaller than typical pyracanthas while maintaining the same eye-catching orange berries that light up fall and winter gardens. Hardy to zone 5, it thrives in full sun to partial shade with moderate water and minimal maintenance, offering reliable performance across most of North America.
Partial Sun
Moderate
5-9
72in H x 96in W
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Moderate
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The orange berry clusters persist through winter, creating a stunning focal point when most gardens are bare, and birds flock to them throughout the season. 'Gnome' stands apart from other pyracanthas because of its superior cold hardiness, surviving in zone 5 where standard varieties struggle. Its narrow, glossy evergreen foliage stays attractive year-round in warmer climates, while the needle-like spines provide natural security along property lines or as a defensive hedge.
Firethorn 'Gnome' excels as a hedge or screening plant, where its dense growth, spiny protection, and persistent berries create both visual and functional boundaries. Its compact size makes it easier to manage than standard firethorn varieties while still delivering the dramatic winter color that makes firethorns prized in landscape design.
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Prune firethorn 'Gnome' in late winter or early spring to maintain its compact form and dense hedge shape. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Because the plant flowers on spurs along existing wood, avoid heavy pruning that would remove next season's bloom. Trim lightly to shape and encourage branching rather than cutting back to bare wood.
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