 | Blackthorn (Prunus Spinosa)
A dense, somewhat prickly (but not as prickly as hawthorn), native deciduous hedging plant suitable either as a component in a mixed hedge or as a single species hedge. Blackthorn blossoms very early (before its leaves) brightening up hedgerows at a dull time of the year with masses of pure white flowers carried on its black stems. It then has mid to dark green oval shaped leaves throughout the summer and its fruit are called sloes and are like small damsons. The sloes start off with a blue bloom but then darken to shiny black and are bitter until after the first heavy frost. Collect in November for sloe gin if the birds havent already taken them. The density of Blackthorn is excellent for providng shelter for birds and other wildlife.
Blackthorn is suitable for most soils (including coastal), even poor soils and heavy soils (and indeed is more suitable for heavy soils than hawthorn) as long as it is not grown in a waterlogged situation. It likes a sunny position and is not suitable for full shade.
Prices shown are the price per plant (other than packs of 250, 500 and 1000). Planting distance is very much a matter of choice. For bare roots, 3 plants per metre is adequate, 5 is good, 7 makes a dense hedge quicker. Smaller plants are generally planted at higher density than tall plants. Pot grown plants have recommended densities shown but you can increase or reduce this density dependent on your level of patience.
Please see our new list of superb quality Specimen Shrubs (bottom of the menu on the left hand side of the website) - free delivery when ordered with your hedging plants.
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