Pyracantha ‘Mohave’

Pyracantha 'Mohave' is commonly called Mohave pyracantha or firethorn 'Mohave'. It is an evergreen, thorny shrub grown for white flowers and large orange-red berries.

Pyracantha 'Mohave' is a vigorous, relatively fast-growing shrub. Give it adequate space or plan to prune it regularly to control its size and shape.

Yes, Pyracantha 'Mohave' is generally evergreen in suitable climates. Its dark green foliage may thin or suffer winter damage in colder or exposed locations.

Pyracantha 'Mohave' can reach about 12 feet tall and wide when mature, although size varies with climate, soil, and pruning. Allow plenty of room when planting it as a hedge or screen.

Pyracantha 'Mohave' is suitable for approximately USDA Zones 6a through 9b. Protect young plants from severe exposure while they establish, especially in colder or windy sites.

Pyracantha 'Mohave' grows best in full sun but also tolerates partial shade. More sunlight generally promotes heavier flowering and berry production.

Pyracantha 'Mohave' can tolerate partial shade, but dense shade may reduce flowering, berry production, and compact growth. In hot climates, some afternoon shade can help limit stress.

Use well-drained sandy, loamy, or clay soil for Pyracantha 'Mohave'; it is adaptable to a range of soil pH levels. Avoid persistently waterlogged ground, which can damage the roots.

Established Pyracantha 'Mohave' has useful drought tolerance, but it needs regular watering during its first growing seasons. Water deeply during prolonged heat or drought, then allow excess moisture to drain.

Water Pyracantha 'Mohave' moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings once the plant is established. Newly planted shrubs need more consistent moisture during the first year or two.

Pyracantha 'Mohave' usually grows well without heavy feeding in reasonably fertile soil. If growth is weak, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring according to the product label.

Poor berry production is often caused by insufficient sunlight, excessive pruning, drought stress, or pruning at the wrong time. Because flowers form on older growth, preserve flowering wood and avoid removing it before bloom.

Possible pests include aphids, scale insects, spider mites, lace bugs, and caterpillars. Inspect new growth and the undersides of leaves, and address infestations early with the least disruptive treatment appropriate for the problem.

Pyracantha 'Mohave' is recognized as having good resistance to fire blight and scab. Resistance does not provide complete immunity, so sanitation, good airflow, and avoidance of excessive nitrogen remain useful.

Fire blight may cause sudden blackening or wilting of shoots, flowers, and leaves that can resemble fire damage. Prune infected material well below visible symptoms with disinfected tools and seek local extension guidance for serious infections.

Plant Pyracantha 'Mohave' in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate and the soil is workable. Fall planting is suitable where the ground does not freeze soon after planting.

Space Pyracantha 'Mohave' according to the desired mature width, commonly about 5 to 8 feet apart for a substantial hedge. Closer spacing fills in faster but increases competition and pruning needs.

Yes, Pyracantha 'Mohave' can be trained against a wall, fence, or sturdy support. Leave room for airflow and maintenance, and use caution because its branches carry sharp thorns.

Pyracantha generally resents transplanting, especially when mature. Choose the planting location carefully, and move only young plants with as much intact root ball as possible.

Propagate Pyracantha 'Mohave' most reliably from semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings. Seed propagation is possible, but cultivated plants may not come true to the 'Mohave' characteristics.

Prune Pyracantha 'Mohave' after flowering, while retaining as much older flowering wood as practical. Heavy or late pruning can remove the shoots that would produce next season’s flowers and berries.

Pyracantha 'Mohave' tolerates substantial pruning, but hard pruning can reduce flowers and berries for the following season. Make major reductions gradually and schedule them after flowering when possible.

Wear thick gloves, long sleeves, eye protection, and use sharp, clean pruners because the stems have long, strong thorns. Remove dead, damaged, crossing, or unwanted branches while preserving healthy flowering wood.

Pyracantha 'Mohave' berries are generally considered low toxicity rather than highly poisonous, but eating large amounts may cause mild stomach upset. Do not intentionally eat the berries, and keep children and pets from consuming them.

Yes, Pyracantha 'Mohave' has sharp thorns that can cause painful punctures and scratches. Avoid planting it beside high-traffic paths or play areas, and wear protective clothing when handling it.

Pyracantha 'Mohave' is not considered highly poisonous, but its berries may upset the stomach if eaten in quantity and its thorns can injure animals. Place it where pets are unlikely to chew the plant or brush against it.

Pyracantha 'Mohave' usually produces clusters of small white flowers in spring or early summer. The flowers are followed by decorative orange-red berries later in the growing season.

Pyracantha 'Mohave' produces abundant large orange-red berries. They can remain attractive from late summer or fall into winter, depending on weather and wildlife activity.

Birds may eat Pyracantha 'Mohave' berries, particularly as other food becomes scarce, although this cultivar is reported to have lower bird appeal than some firethorns. Berry persistence therefore varies by location and bird populations.

The small white flowers of Pyracantha 'Mohave' can provide resources for pollinating insects during bloom. Flowering is usually strongest when the shrub receives adequate sunlight and is not pruned immediately before flowering.