Blackthorn – Prunus spinosa 2-3ft
Out of Stock
Available October – March.
Commonly known as Blackthorn (Prunus Spinosa) are dense, dark and thorny, this small tree can grow up to 6-7meters in a wide spreading habit. Its leaves are small with a rugged toothed edge and appear long after the clusters white flowers which start to show during March/April time. One of the main characteristics of blackthorn is its thorns, which are around 2-2.5cm in length and line the tangled masses of twigs. This feature makes blackthorn a great impenetrable barrier and a fantastic hedging plant.
Plant Guide
Bareroot plants are just that – plants with little or no soil on the roots. They are not actively growing at this time ( November – April ). The roots are exposed rather than in pots.
Plants that are bare-rooted should be planted asap. The roots should be kept moist at all times while exposed. Bareroot plants may be dormant, but they are still alive and should be treated carefully. After receiving your plants prepare them for planting as soon as possible. If the roots are dry, pour some water over the roots to freshen them up before planting.
Never leave exposed roots in the sun. The best of all is to try to be ready to plant as soon as the plants arrive. If it is not possible to plant immediately, then place the plants in a tub with good drainage holes, and fill it with compost that covers the roots to protect against the elements. They should be planted within a few days.
They can also be dug into a hole in the ground until ready to plant. When you are ready to plant, you can soak the plants in water just before placing in the planting hole. Compost or peat moss can be incorporated into the native soil. It is not necessary to add fertiliser to the planting at this stage unless it’s rootgrow (Bonemeal). If you are ready to plant then preparing not only the planting hole, but the plants are important.
While preparing the planting hole, you may put the bare-root plants in a bucket with a small amount of water to moisten the roots before planting. Dig the hole as deep as the roots, place in the hole and fill in with your soil or compost. Once planted water, and do so every three or so days.
Best Uses
Blackthorn is easy to grow and tolerant to most soil types. Well suited to a moist, free-draining position in the sun. They are popularly used as a base in mixed native hedging due to the interest they gain from local wildlife.
Care Advice
Blackthorn is extremely low maintenance but we do recommended trimming after the sloes have been harvested.
Plant Combinations
Blackthorn is popularly used as a base in mixed native hedging due to the interest they gain from local wildlife.
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