A very attractive deciduous shrub that produce dense thickets of thorny branches that bear gorgeous saucer shaped coral/red coloured flowers in late winter and early spring.
The flowers are followed by waxy, greeny yellow fruits and simple, toothed foliage.
They are best suited to cooler climates and although deciduous make excellent hedging - particularly when in bloom.
Their spiny nature make an excellent barrier to people and animals - and therefore a protective environment for birds.