Firethorn and Holly osmanthus are often considered for the same spot in the garden (hedge, screening, 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,…
Osmanthus heterophyllus 2 m × 1.5 m after 10 years
An evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green, spiny leaves that look like holly, bearing tiny white flowers in autumn whose scent carries a long way…
Firethorn grows faster than Holly osmanthus.
Firethorn is hardier: down to -23 °C, against -18 °C for Holly osmanthus.
Firethorn tolerates drought better than Holly osmanthus.
Holly osmanthus needs less care than Firethorn.
|
Feature
|
Firethorn
|
Holly osmanthus
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shrub | Shrub |
| Size after 10 years | 3 m × 2.5 m | 2 m × 1.5 m |
| Ultimate size | 1.8–5.5 m × 1.8–5.5 m | 2.5–6 m × 2–6 m |
| Growth rate | Fast | Slow |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Acidic, Clay, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) | down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flowering | May–June, white | September–November, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | High | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low |
| Planting distance | 150 cm | 100 cm |
| For dogs | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| For cats | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| For children | Mildly toxic | no data |
| Typical price | approx. HUF 1,900 | approx. HUF 2,100 |
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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