Blackthorn Hedge Plant (Prunus spinosa) Description

Blackthorn blossoms early in spring, blooming with masses of white flowers before its leaves have even made an appearance, bringing life to gardens at an otherwise dull time of year. Through the summer, Blackthorn boasts bushy green, oval-shaped foliage and produces sloes in autumn – very small, damson-like fruit. Sloes can be picked in November when they have ripened to make delicious sloe gin – if the birds haven’t already taken them, that is.

Blackthorn makes an excellent natural security hedge, due to its dense, thorny foliage. The density also means Blackthorn makes a wonderful shelter for birds and other wildlife. Blackthorn is a fast-growing hedge with a growth rate of around 40-60cm each year, and can grow well in most soil types, except for very waterlogged soil. For best growth, Blackthorn should be grown in a sunny position – it’s not suitable for full shade.

As one of the UK’s most popular native hedging species, Blackthorn is a main component of our Mixed Native Hedging selection – take a look at our full range of Mixed Native Hedging Packs for more information.

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:


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. (Please note that due to new Brexit rules, we are currently unable to export to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.)

Delivery Time - Please note that due to high demand, delivery times are currently 3-7 days. (Some trees will be 7-14 days delivery as standard - see product pages for delivery info). We are working through existing orders as quickly as possible but can now deliver new orders within this timescale.

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.