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Getting rid of Pryacanthus
ann394
Posts: 11
Hello,
I have a few large Pryacanthus plants in my garden, I have been cutting them down, how can I get rid of them?
0
Posts
Do you mean the clippings or the plants?
Both really. They are so horrible to handle and cut down.
Last edited: 10 April 2017 21:49:18
We each have plants that we dislike, but Pyracantha is an interesting plant, which the blackbirds and probably others too love for the berries. The plants give us flowers (white on ours), and then the berries. However those thorns are quite large and sharp too. It seems to grow fairly quickly and doesn't need tying in.
I just got rid of some into the green bin. I was going to burn them because I didn't have room in the bin last week but I ended up putting them through the shredder and then in the bin in smaller form.
Like blackberries (big ones) I can't put them on the compost because the spines live on after decay and hurt you when you spread them on the ground as mulch then try and work without gloves in the soil.
So shredding is an option if you have a shredder. Gloved up cutting into the green bin with a pair of secateurs is another. Burning is a good option, you can get an incinerator for £20 from Wilko and they're great, you put stuff in and it comes out as tiny amounts of ash, very efficient and controllable.
Don't forget that these plants are fantastic for wildlife and brilliant for deterring burglars so consider this before getting rid of them altogether.
The idea for success (as I understand it) is to cut all branches that grow into the path (for me) and nurture those that grow sideways - making it a tall, thin, shrub.
They are fabulous plants so if you want to post a picture you might get ideas about the best shape for you.
Hope this helps,
The berries in October/November are adored by birds indeed & bees go mad for the white flowers in May/June. Spikes can be used as a mulch near slug prone plants. It's great to grow against a boundary. Mine is also the orange & grows like wildfire, so I often have to prune it meaning I lose some berries.
Last edited: 11 April 2017 08:37:36
Thank you for your advice that's a few good points from both of you to keep these plants.
The Blackbirds do love it - all year - took this just this morning ?
That's a great picture Marran - proving the point that the blackbirds do like this plant - how versatile and interesting it is as plants go. I wouldn't want to be without my pyracantha.