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Blackthorn Hedging Plants

Blackthorn Hedging Plants for Strong, Wildlife Rich Privacy

A classic choice for tough, long lived hedging with real character. Blackthorn hedges are dense and thorny, creating excellent security, natural privacy and outstanding wildlife value. In early spring, bare branches burst into clouds of white blossom, followed later in the year by deep purple sloes that give the sloe hedge its name and provide vital food for birds.

As a native British species, the prunus spinosa hedge thrives in UK conditions and copes well with wind, cold and exposed sites. It grows into a thick, interwoven barrier that is ideal for boundary planting, rural gardens and informal settings where a natural look is preferred. Blackthorn hedging is sold bare root, which makes it easy to plant at scale or fill gaps in an existing hedge. Strong, resilient and full of seasonal interest, blackthorn hedging is a dependable choice for native hedgerows.

Blackthorn Hedging Plants for Strong, Wildlife Rich Privacy

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Blackthorn Hedge 'Prunus spinosa' Single Bare Root…

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Blackthorn Hedge 'Prunus spinosa' Single Bare Root…

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Blackthorn Hedging Plants
Frequently Asked Questions

No, blackthorn hedges are not evergreen. This is a deciduous variety of native hedge, which means it drops its leaves in autumn and stands bare through winter, ready to erupt with fresh growth in spring, when it is covered in clouds of white blossom.

Planting blackthorn is straightforward. Start by choosing a sunny position with reasonably well drained soil. Dig a trench rather than individual holes, breaking up the soil well at the base. Set plants about 30 to 45cm apart for a dense hedge, spreading the roots out naturally. Backfill with the original soil, firm gently with your heel, then water thoroughly. A mulch of compost or bark helps retain moisture and suppress weeds while the plants establish.

The best time to plant blackthorn is during the dormant season, from late autumn through to early spring. Bare root hedges establish quickly when planted between November and March. Container grown plants can be planted at other times of year, as long as ground conditions are not frozen or waterlogged.

Blackthorn should be pruned in late winter or early spring. Trim back to shape and control size. Always wear thick gloves and long sleeves, as blackthorn has very sharp spines.

Blackthorn flowers very early in spring on bare stems, producing white blossom before the leaves emerge. Hawthorn flowers later, in late spring, when it is already in leaf. Blackthorn tends to form a denser, more suckering hedge with thorns, while hawthorn is slightly more open and produces red haws in autumn. Both are excellent native hedges.

Blackthorn is a fast growing hedge variety, with up to 60cm of growth each year once established. Growth is slower in the first year while roots settle in, then it picks up pace. Regular pruning helps it thicken up rather than racing away in height.

Yes, blackthorn makes an excellent hedge if you want something tough, traditional, and wildlife friendly. It forms a dense, thorny barrier that is ideal for boundaries and security, provides early nectar for pollinators, and offers shelter for birds and small mammals. Take care when pruning due to the spines, but for a natural, native hedge with character, it is a very strong choice.

Peter McDermott - Head Gardener

"If you're looking for a hedge that�s as tough as it is beautiful, blackthorn is a brilliant choice. It bursts into life in early spring with clouds of white blossom, providing a vital food source for pollinators before the leaves even appear. As the seasons change, it forms a dense, protective barrier, and by autumn, it�s dripping with deep blue sloes - perfect for making homemade sloe gin or leaving for the birds to enjoy. I love blackthorn for its resilience, year-round interest, and ability to create a natural haven for wildlife while offering privacy and security in the garden."
Peter McDermott, Head Gardener

More About Blackthorn Hedging Plants

Why Choose a Blackthorn Hedge

A blackthorn hedge boasts a dense growth habit, making it one of the best hedging varieties for wildlife as it provides nesting, shelter and food throughout the year. Spring blossom supports early pollinators, while autumn sloes attract birds and small mammals.

Blackthorn hedging plants also perform exceptionally well on poorer soils and in exposed locations where more ornamental hedges struggle. Once established, a blackthorn hedge requires minimal input, coping with drought, cold winters and strong winds with ease. This makes it a reliable choice for new gardens, countryside plots and boundary planting.

Bare Root Blackthorn Hedging for Easy Establishment

Bare root blackthorn plants offer outstanding value and establish quickly as they are planted during the dormant season from late autumn to early spring. Bare roots are lightweight, easy to handle and settle into the soil efficiently, allowing roots to spread without restriction.

To plant, dig a trench wide enough for the roots to sit naturally. Position each plant so the colour change on the stem sits level with the soil surface, then backfill, firm gently and water well. Adding Mycorrhizal Fungi at planting helps speed up root development and supports stronger long term growth. Regular watering during the first year ensures the hedge establishes evenly and develops a dense structure.

Planting and Caring for a Prunus Spinosa Hedge

Plant a prunus spinosa hedge in full sun on well drained soil. Space plants closely for a thick, stock proof hedge that knits together quickly. During the first growing season, keep plants watered in dry weather to encourage deep rooting.

Pruning is simple and should be carried out after flowering if shaping is needed. Light, regular trimming helps promote bushy growth, while more natural hedges can be left largely untouched. Over time, a blackthorn hedge develops into a robust, self supporting boundary that improves with age, offering structure, blossom, berries and wildlife benefits year after year.

By choosing blackthorn hedging plants from YouGarden, gardeners invest in a proven native hedge that delivers strength, seasonal interest and lasting value.

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