Pyracantha prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Planting in highly fertile soil will produce rampant growth, which makes the plant more susceptible to fire blight and decreases berry production.

It is best to plant pyracantha bushes in the fall. If berry color is important, buy the plants when they have fruit. Pyracantha resents transplanting. Once you plant it, leave it alone.

Even though pyracantha is resistant to heat and drought, it is a good practice to mulch around the shrub to reduce stress from dry weather.

Pruning can be done during almost any season, but winter or early spring pruning is recommended. If you wait until early spring when flowering occurs, you can selectively prune to leave some flowers so you will have berries in the fall. Flowers and berries are produced only on growth that is at least one year old. Always leave some of the growth made each year so that you will have flowers and berries.

Dislodge old withered or rotted berries with a broom at the end of winter.