@purpleinopp, they do have thorns. But the two very mature ones I had at the entrance of my driveway at my last house didn't develop those for a few years. My Dad bought them for me from a small hispanic nursery in San Antonio, so I don't know the variety, but blooms were dark purple and not very ruffled.
Vicious thorns similar to pyracanthia once they formed about year 3. My two plants always died down to the ground in winter (when I cut them off to an 8-10" clump to winter over). Then the plants would grow all new branches, reaching the previous year's height/width the next Spring, plus a bit larger each year. That variety had an umbrella arching growth habit that reached about 6-8' diameter and about 6' tall in 10 years. New owners have since removed both of them. Don't envy them THAT job!
I presently have a 'Sweet Memories' specimen down at our cabin. It survived the Snow/Icepocalypse in February and has put out probably 6 trunks since, reaching 5-6' tall as of last week. Saw lots of bloom evidence so I should get lots of gold berries this year on it. This strain has always had a more upright growth habit, which has surprised me. It may arch over more umbrella-like over time though. Will have to wait and see. I like them a lot. Carefree plants that will take drought, low water, heat and always come back the next season after a freeze.
