Plant a Wall of Berries

Wall shrubs, such as firethorn, are easy to grow and provide a rich tapestry of evergreen foliage, spring flowers, and vibrant autumn berries that add texture and color to the garden. On a boundary, their sharp thorns also deter intruders, and the fruits provide a feast for hungry birds.

When to Start: Autumn
At Their Best: All year round
Time to Complete: 2 hours

Materials Needed:

• firethorn, Pyracantha
• well-rotted organic matter, such as manure
• granular shrub fertilizer

• coated wire and vine eyes
• garden twine
• clippers

Prepare the Ground

Plant your firethorn about 20 in (50 cm) from the wall or fence, and dig a bucketful of organic matter and some general-purpose fertilizer into the soil within the planting area. Do not add extra organic matter to the planting hole.

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Plant and Tie Stems

Fix horizontal wires across the wall or fence. Dig a planting hole twice the width and as deep as the plant pot. Place the firethorn in the hole and lay a stake across the top to check that the plant will be at the same depth as it is in its pot once planted. Remove from its pot, and plant. Backfill with excavated soil and firm in with the ball of your foot. Remove stems from the supporting canes supplied with the plant, and tie to the wires with twine.

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Trim Stems

With clean, sharp clippers, prune wayward stems that are growing away from the wall or fence. Cut them back to the main stem or a bud close to a stem that is growing along the fence. Shorten other side shoots to encourage bushier growth.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - How to Grow Practically Everything © 2010 Dorling Kindersley Limited