Blackthorn Bare Root Hedge Plant (Prunus spinosa)

Name: Blackthorn Bare Root Hedge Plant (Prunus spinosa)
SKU: HHG-BR-BLACKTHORN
Price: 8.95 GBP
Availability: InStock

£8.95

The first blossom of spring and the sloes of autumn.

Blackthorn is a classic native hedging shrub. Clouds of white blossom appear on bare black stems in early spring, before the leaves, followed in autumn by dusky blue-black sloes. Its long thorns make an almost impenetrable, wildlife-rich barrier.

Flowers: March–April, before the leaves
Harvest: Blossom in spring, sloes from late September
Wildlife: Early nectar for bees, nesting cover for birds
Supplied as: a single field-grown bare root plant

Seasonal shipping notice
Bare root plants are despatched only in the dormant season, November to February, so they arrive asleep and establish strongly in spring.

Pairs perfectly with hawthorn for a traditional mixed hedge. See our Native Heal Foragers Hedge – Living Hedgerow Collection for a ready-made hedgerow.

Botanical name: Prunus spinosa

Common name: Blackthorn, Sloe

Life cycle: Deciduous native shrub

Height: 2–4m; easily kept at 1.2–2m as a hedge

Spread: Spreads by suckers to form thickets

Flowers: White, March–April, before the leaves

Position: Full sun or partial shade

Soil: Almost any soil, including clay and chalk

Hardiness: Fully hardy

Suitable for containers: Not suitable long term; best in the ground

Suitable for beginners: Yes

Pollinator value: Very high – early blossom for bees, dense thorny cover for birds

Planting

Location: Sun or partial shade. Tolerates exposed, windy and coastal sites.

Planting time: November to March while the plant is dormant, whenever the ground is not frozen or waterlogged. Soak the roots in a bucket of water for an hour before planting.

Spacing: For a hedge, plant 5–7 per metre in a single row, or 30–45cm apart in a staggered double row.

Care

Watering: Water well after planting and during dry spells in the first spring and summer.

Feeding: Not usually needed. A spring mulch of compost helps establishment.

Pruning: Cut back by about a third after planting to encourage bushy growth. Trim established hedges in late winter, outside the bird nesting season. Remove unwanted suckers.

Harvesting & Storage

Harvesting: Pick sloes from late September to November once they are blue-black with a dusty bloom. Many people wait until after the first frost, or freeze them, to soften their sharpness.

Storage: Use sloes fresh or freeze them straight away. Dry blossom on a tray out of sunlight.

UK Growing Conditions

Fully hardy across the UK and one of the toughest native hedging plants, thriving even on exposed and coastal ground.

Culinary Uses

Sloes are famously used for sloe gin, and also for jellies, syrups and fruit cheeses. They are very sharp raw, and the stones should not be eaten.

Traditional Herbal Uses

Blackthorn blossom and sloes have a long history in British country remedies, particularly in traditional spring tonics and autumn syrups.

Please note: Traditional uses are included for cultural and educational interest and are not medical advice. This product is sold as a garden plant. Seek professional advice before using any plant medicinally.

Wildlife & Garden Benefits

The early white blossom is one of the first nectar sources of the year for bees. Its dense thorns give birds safe nesting cover, and its leaves feed the caterpillars of the rare brown and black hairstreak butterflies.

Bare root plants: Bare root plants are lifted from the field while dormant and despatched only between November and February. Orders placed now are reserved and sent at the right planting moment, with an email beforehand giving your delivery window.

On arrival: Plant as soon as possible. If you cannot plant straight away, keep the roots moist and wrapped, or heel the plants into a trench of soil until conditions allow.

Other items in your order: Seeds and garden supplies are normally despatched within 2–4 working days.