 | 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.
Bare root plants are available November until March. Please see our Bare Root/Transplant section for full details. You can pre-order to guarantee an early delivery date - either order online (credit or debit cards are charged immediately) or call our order line on 01225 422077 to order by telephone (credit or debit cards will be charged a few days before despatch).
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