Blackthorn Hedging
Prunus Spinosa
Bare root stock not available until November 2025 but you can Pre Order to secure your stock now
Blackthorn (Prunus Spinosa), or Sloe Hedge, is a dense, thorny native shrub ideal for security hedging and wildlife cover. In spring, it produces white flowers before the leaves, followed by dark purple sloes in autumn, loved by birds and used for jams and sloe gin. Hardy and wind-resistant, Blackthorn is perfect for mixed native hedges and countryside planting.
Features
Mature Height
Growth Rate
Soil Types
Usage
Full Description
Blackthorn Hedging (Prunus Spinosa), also known as Sloe Hedge, is a traditional British native shrub renowned for its dense, spiny growth and seasonal beauty. Its dark, thorny branches make it an excellent natural barrier, perfect for keeping out unwanted pets or visitors while providing essential cover and nesting sites for wildlife.
In early spring, before the leaves appear, Blackthorn bursts into life with a mass of pure white flowers, often during a cold spell famously known as the “Blackthorn Winter.” These flowers are followed by deep purple-black sloe berries in autumn, a valuable food source for birds and wildlife, and also cherished for making jams, sloe gin, and wine.
This vigorous, hardy shrub is highly resistant to gales and salt-laden winds, making it ideal for exposed sites and coastal planting. It forms a dense, spreading hedge that offers excellent game cover, shelter, and protection for farmland and gardens alike.
For best results, Blackthorn is often planted as part of a mixed native hedge alongside species such as hawthorn, field maple, hornbeam, or hazel, creating a robust and ecologically rich boundary.
When planting, space 4 plants per metre for a single row, or 7 per metre in a staggered double row for a thicker hedge. Ensure regular watering during the first growing season to help the plants establish well.
With its toughness, wildlife value, and striking seasonal display, Prunus Spinosa remains a classic choice for those seeking a beautiful yet functional countryside hedge.
Delivery
Within 24 hours of placing your order, we will contact you to confirm an exact delivery date. Most orders are delivered within 5 working days. Your plants will be freshly lifted and packaged the day before dispatch to ensure they arrive in the best possible condition.
If you have a preferred delivery date please use the comments box and we will try our best to accommodate this (not available at weekends).
Although items can remain in their packaging for 7–10 days if kept frost-free, we recommend planting bareroot trees as soon as possible after delivery.
We use a courier service, and a signature is required on delivery unless you specify a safe place in the comments box when placing your order.
Small Orders (UK Mainland Only)
Orders of 1–15 plants in size 40/60cm can often be sent via Royal Mail for £8.90.
Please note: Your basket will initially show a delivery charge of £15.75 + VAT, but if you request Royal Mail delivery in the comments box, we will adjust the payment for you once we receive the order.
England and Wales Standard Delivery Charges
| Order Total | Delivery Cost |
| £0 – £75.99 | £15.75 + VAT |
| £76 – £200.99 | £23.10 + VAT |
| £201 – £300.99 | £31.50 + VAT |
| £301 – £500.99 | £42.00 + VAT |
| £501 – £1000.99 | £47.25 + VAT |
| £1001+ | £52.50 + VAT |
Mainland Scotland Standard Delivery Charges
| Order Total | Delivery Cost |
| £0 – £75.99 | £21.00 + VAT |
| £76 – £150.99 | £29.82 + VAT |
| £151 – £300.99 | £39.90 + VAT |
| £301 – £500.99 | £52.50 + VAT |
| £501 – £1000.99 | £58.80 + VAT |
| £1001+ | £65.10 + VAT |
Click and Collect
Click and collect available free of charge from: Tree Shop Ltd., Harts Barn, Monmouth Road, Longhope, GL17 0QD, UK
