Gardening for wildlife... Firethorn/Pyracantha hedging or upright shrub

The Firethorn bush is a fully hardy and easy to grow climbing plant. It grows well in any sunny or shaded spot and in all soil types. It produces attractive white flowers in spring and berries in red, yellow, or orange in autumn.

The Firethorn bush attracts a host of bees, hoverflies, ladybirds, and even a micro moth named the Firethorn leaf miner. In autumn, the red berries attract garden birds such as blackbirds, robins, missel thrushes, and song thrushes. It can also attract migrant birds like blackcaps and garden warblers.

You can attract birds to the Firethorn bush by leaving a branch overhanging from it and hanging a bird feeder. This provides excellent cover for the birds and protects them from predators. The birds can dart in and out of the bush to access the feeder.

Yes, the Firethorn bush is loved by robins. You can even put a robin's nesting box at the back of the bush to provide additional cover for them. This will attract nesting robins, and they will appreciate the cover that the bush provides.

The Firethorn bush can enhance biodiversity in your garden by attracting a variety of insects, bees, and birds. Its flowers provide food for pollinators, and its berries provide a rich source of nutrition for birds. By planting the Firethorn bush, you can create a diverse ecosystem in your garden.