Blackthorn Hedge Plant (Prunus spinosa) Description
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 haven't already taken them.
The density of Blackthorn is excellent for providing shelter for birds and other wildlife. Blackthorn hedge plants are suitable for most soils (including coastal), even poor soils and heavy soils (and 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. See also our range of hedging for exposed sites.
As one of the most commonly found UK native hedging species, Blackthorn is a main component of our Mixed Native Hedging selection. See our full range of Mixed Native Hedging Packs for more information.
For alternatives to Blackthorn, see the 'also recommended' list below. However, if you still need help to decide which hedge is the right one for you, we'd recommend that you visit our Choosing the Right Species page which has suggestions and alternatives for every situation
You’ll see our recommended planting densities for each size and root type listed in the product grid. We suggest that you use these as a guide, taking into consideration how long you’re willing to wait to see your finished hedge. As a rough indication bare roots can be planted at anything from 3 to 7 per metre and cell grown between 4 and 6 - the higher densities here would need to be planted in a double staggered row or zig-zag.
For more information on planting distances please see our
planting density advice section.
Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) hedge trimming should be done when the plant is dormant in the winter months, but not when it's freezing. Blackthorn can be left to its own devices if a more natural hedgerow look is wanted, however it can be trimmed back to keep it to a desired height and spread.
Take care to wear protective gloves when pruning this species; as the name suggests, Blackthorn has long, thin thorns that make it ideal as an intruder deterrent, but also challenging to prune without protection.
Free delivery is available on all orders providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:
| Packaging Type | Standard Delivery Charge | Minimum Order Values (incl VAT) for FREE Delivery |
|---|
| Small Box (Bare Roots up to 1.2m) | £18 delivery charge (orders up to £100 incl VAT) | Orders of £100 and over - FREE |
| Box (Pots up to and incl. 7.5L) | £18 delivery charge (orders up to £100 incl VAT) | Orders of £100 and over - FREE |
| Large/Tall Box (Tall bare roots 1.2m +) | £24 delivery charge (orders up to £120 incl VAT) | Orders of £120 and over - FREE |
| Pallet (Root balls, large pots, trees etc) | £60 delivery charge (orders up to £240 incl VAT) | Orders of £240 and over - FREE |
There are some exceptions to the standard delivery pricing structure, which relate to deliveries to more remote areas, overseas, or extremely tall plants requiring specialist delivery - for more information see the
Delivery Information Page It's Quick! - Please note that orders will currently be dispatched within 7-10 working days. (See our product pages for specific delivery info)
Next Day Delivery is Available - We can offer next day delivery on eligible species and sizes for an additional £12 incl VAT. Call
01257 263 873 to find out if your order is eligible.
It's Convenient - no need to wait in all day to sign, we don't need a signature (the odd, larger order may require a signature but will be delivered at a mutually agreeable time)
It's Tried & Tested - we use only couriers who have shown consistency in their efficiency & care
* Please note that delivery costs are based on the final order amount in your cart
after any discounts have been applied.
Hedges Direct 12 Month Plant Guarantee
Our plants are guaranteed for 12 months after delivery subject to specific criteria. Visit our
Hedges Direct Plant Guarantee Page for full details.
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