Firethorn and Laurustinus are often considered for the same spot in the garden (hedge, screening, pollinator friendly, specimen). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Pyracantha coccinea 3 m × 2.5 m after 10 years
A dense, fiercely thorny evergreen shrub with clusters of white flowers in late spring and masses of red or orange berries from autumn to late winter,…
Viburnum tinus 2 m × 2 m after 10 years
A Mediterranean evergreen viburnum with dark, glossy foliage that flowers from late autumn in mild winters, otherwise from late winter into spring:…
Firethorn grows faster than Laurustinus.
Firethorn is hardier: down to -23 °C, against -12 °C for Laurustinus.
Laurustinus needs less care than Firethorn.
Laurustinus is cheaper: about €14 at the size usually planted, against about €27 for Firethorn.
|
Feature
|
Firethorn
|
Laurustinus
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shrub | Shrub |
| Size after 10 years | 3 m × 2.5 m | 2 m × 2 m |
| Ultimate size | 1.8–5.5 m × 1.8–5.5 m | 1.8–3.6 m × 1.8–3 m |
| Growth rate | Fast | Medium |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) | down to -12 °C (USDA 8, RHS H5) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flowering | May–June, white | November–May, white, pink |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | High | High |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low |
| Planting distance | 150 cm | 120 cm |
| For dogs | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | Mildly toxic | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €27 | approx. €14 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 8, 2026
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