Hedges Direct 
Blackthorn Hedge Prunus spinosa
In stock
2. Select Your Product Individual Plants
Choose between a range of sizes and select the quantity right for your job
Package Deals
Benefit from bulk buying with money saving product bundles
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.
Individual Pot Grown Plants 
Pot Grown Package DealsKey Features
NATIVE
FAST GROWING
HAS BERRIES
HAS FLOWERS (White)
Blackthorn Hedge Plant (Prunus spinosa) Description
The Blackthorn hedge (Prunus spinosa) is a hardy, bird-friendly species that’s native to the UK, which means it thrives in the British countryside. This dense, spiny hedging plant bursts into life in early spring with a cloud of delicate white blossoms on bare branches, releasing a sweet, almondy fragrance and providing a vital food source for pollinators. While often compared to Hawthorn, one thing that sets Blackthorn apart is that it flowers before it comes into leaf. Then, as the seasons change, its dark green leaves create a natural screen, while in autumn, the hedge is dotted with deep purple sloes — small, damson-like fruit that can be used to make gin or eaten as they are.
With its robust and prickly structure, Blackthorn hedging is a natural deterrent to any unwanted visitors, making it ideal for creating intruder-proof borders around gardens and other private outdoor spaces. And it's not just the exterior that’s tough — this native species is incredibly resilient, tolerating strong winds, coastal conditions, and poor soils without fuss. However, make sure you’re planting in areas with full sun, as the only thing Blackthorn doesn’t tolerate well is shade. As a fast-growing option, Blackthorn can put on up to 60cm of growth per year, forming a thick hedge with minimal maintenance.
Our Blackthorn hedge plants are available as bare-root plants during the dormant season (November-April), and pot-grown varieties year-round.* Learn more with our guide to the four hedging root types.
If you’re not sure how many plants you’ll need, our guide to planting density can help you create the perfect hedge for your space.
*Bare-root and root-ball stock are subject to availability and may change, but are generally available from autumn through to spring.
Vital Plant Information
Reviews
Plant Guarantee
Hedges Direct always supplies quality plants, however we know that sometimes plants have a mind of their own. With the Hedges Direct Green Guarantee, we've got you covered. Our 12-month guarantee is our 100% promise to you, that you can buy with complete confidence, that if any plants fail within 12 months, we will replace them when the guarantee conditions are met.
-
Step 1
Root Grow & Fertiliser
Ensure you buy root grow and fretiliser with your plants at the time of purchase
-
Step 2
Prepare Your Planting Area
Make sure your planting area is in good condition and suitable for planting
-
Step 3
Plant & Feed
Plant with root grow & the second feed. Support plants if necessary. Water regularly
Pruning Advice
To ensure your Blackthorn hedge thrives, it's best to prune it in winter or early spring when the plant is dormant, just before the new growth starts. However, avoid pruning in freezing conditions.
Blackthorn should be cut back lightly to remove any obvious dying, dead, or diseased branches that could spread to the rest of the plant and impact its overall growth. This will help to keep it looking neat and tidy, but you can also remove any overgrown or congested stems. Following up with a layer of nutrient-rich fertiliser afterwards will help to give Prunus spinosa the best chance of thriving in spring.
Given its prickly nature, make sure to arm yourself with thick gloves and eye protection when tackling Blackthorn hedging.