Further 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.

Pruning Advice

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.

Delivery & Returns

Everything you need to know about your delivery: Free delivery - this is available on most orders when you reach a minimum order value for your packaging type which is based on the size and quantity of plants that you order. Details are in the delivery information table below.

Packaging Type	Standard Delivery Charge	Minimum Order Values for FREE Delivery
Boxes (Bare roots and pots up to and inc 7.5L)	£7.99 delivery charge (orders up to £60)	Orders of £60 and over - FREE
Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc)	£60 delivery charge (orders up to £350)	Orders of £350 and over - FREE
Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery)	£450 delivery charge (orders up to £1500)	Orders of £1500 and over - FREE

Nominated Day Delivery – Choose a day that suits you for your delivery. If nominated delivery is available on the products you’ve chosen, you’ll be able to select this option at checkout. Fees for this will depend on the product selected and your delivery address.

For full delivery information, including geographical exceptions, see our delivery page

Blackthorn Hedge Prunus spinosa

Name: Blackthorn Hedge
SKU: PRUS
Price: 0.79 GBP
Availability: InStock

From £0.79

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Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) as a prickly, deciduous hedging plant that provides seasonal interest, producing white flowers in the spring and sloes in the autumn.

NATIVE
FAST GROWING
HAS BERRIES
HAS FLOWERS (White)

Planting Conditions: Suitable for normal, clay or chalk soils, full sun to semi shade and inland, coastal or exposed sites
Growth Rate: Fast growing, expect 40-60cm per year
Height: Easily maintained at 1-4m
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SKU PRUS

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. Take a look at our full range of Mixed Native Hedging Packs for more information.

What are root types?

Root types explained.

Bare root
Field grown, bare roots are young plants that are only planted when they are dormant, from autumn to spring. We lift bare root plants and despatch them during the season but they can be pre-ordered in summer. As they are cheaper to grow, they are one of our most affordable hedge planting options.
Pot grown
Pot grown plants can be planted year round and make a convenient option. They come in a wide range of sizes, from 10cm to 2.5m so they're suitable for the majority of planting requirements.
Root ball
Also field grown, root ball plants are scooped out of the ground using machinery to keep their root system intact and wrapped in bio-degradable, hessian sacks. They are mature plants that provide dense coverage very early on, ideal for when you need a thick hedge quickly.
Instant
Grown in troughs or bags that measure 50cm-1 metre in length and carefully clipped during the growing season. Our instant hedging troughs create a dramatic, instant hedge effect.