{"title":"Blackthorn Bare Root","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eBlackthorn Bare Root Hedging (Prunus spinosa)\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTraditional Native Hedging for Wildlife, Rural Boundaries \u0026amp; Mixed Country Hedges\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackthorn, botanically known as \u003cstrong\u003ePrunus spinosa\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a hardy native deciduous hedging plant valued for its dense, thorny growth, beautiful spring blossom and wildlife benefits. Supplied as bare root plants during the dormant season, Blackthorn is one of the most economical choices for establishing a traditional native hedge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn early spring, masses of small \u003cstrong\u003ewhite flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e appear along the dark branches, often before the new leaves emerge. These are followed later in the year by the familiar dark blue-black fruits known as \u003cstrong\u003esloes\u003c\/strong\u003e, providing valuable seasonal interest and a food source for wildlife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTough, adaptable and naturally dense, Blackthorn is particularly well suited to \u003cstrong\u003ecountry gardens, field boundaries, wildlife hedges and mixed native planting schemes\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Choose Blackthorn Bare Root Hedging?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackthorn is an excellent choice where you want a robust, natural-looking hedge with strong wildlife value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKey benefits include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNative British hedging plant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent value when supplied bare root\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDense, thorny growth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreates an effective natural boundary\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeautiful white spring blossom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduces sloes in autumn\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent for wildlife\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides nesting and shelter for birds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for exposed and rural locations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent within mixed native hedging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardy and relatively easy to establish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for larger planting projects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBlackthorn for Native Hedging\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackthorn is a classic component of the \u003cstrong\u003etraditional British countryside hedge\u003c\/strong\u003e and works particularly well either planted alone or incorporated into a mixed native hedge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts dense branching and naturally thorny habit help create a substantial boundary as the plants mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a more varied native hedge, Blackthorn can be combined with plants such as \u003cstrong\u003eHawthorn, Dogwood, Field Maple, Guelder Rose, Spindle, Dog Rose and Holly\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCombining several native species provides variation in foliage, flowers, berries and autumn colour while creating a valuable habitat for wildlife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBlackthorn for Wildlife\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackthorn is an excellent choice for creating a \u003cstrong\u003ewildlife-friendly hedge\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts early white flowers provide a useful source of nectar and pollen for visiting insects, while the dense, thorny branches provide shelter and potential nesting sites for birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLater in the season, the developing sloes provide another valuable food source for wildlife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA mature Blackthorn hedge can provide cover and habitat throughout the year, making it particularly useful in rural and naturalistic planting schemes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBlackthorn Flowers \u0026amp; Sloes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most attractive features of Blackthorn is its seasonal interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall white flowers appear along the bare branches in \u003cstrong\u003eearly spring\u003c\/strong\u003e, creating an impressive display before much of the surrounding countryside has come fully into leaf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese flowers are followed by green foliage and eventually the distinctive dark blue-black fruits known as \u003cstrong\u003esloes\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of spring blossom, summer foliage and autumn fruit makes Blackthorn much more than simply a practical boundary hedge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhen Can I Plant Blackthorn Bare Root Hedging?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBare root Blackthorn is available during the plant's \u003cstrong\u003edormant season\u003c\/strong\u003e, generally from late autumn through winter and into early spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBare root plants are lifted from the field without a pot of compost surrounding their roots, making them economical to produce, transport and plant in larger quantities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant them as soon as possible after arrival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you cannot plant immediately, keep the roots \u003cstrong\u003ecool, protected and moist\u003c\/strong\u003e, ensuring they are never allowed to dry out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid planting when the ground is frozen or waterlogged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere to Plant Blackthorn\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackthorn is a tough and adaptable native plant that can be used in a wide range of settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is particularly suitable for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRural boundaries\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCountry gardens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWildlife gardens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eField edges\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNative hedging schemes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMixed country hedges\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarger gardens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNaturalistic planting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExposed locations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSecurity-conscious boundaries\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackthorn can spread through suckering as it matures, so this should be considered when choosing its position, particularly in smaller or more formal gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Conditions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackthorn is naturally robust and can tolerate a range of soil conditions once established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt generally performs best in \u003cstrong\u003esun or partial shade\u003c\/strong\u003e and can cope with many ordinary garden soils, provided conditions are not permanently waterlogged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts naturally tough character makes it particularly useful for rural and more challenging planting situations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Plant Blackthorn Bare Root Hedging\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood preparation will give a new bare root hedge the best possible start.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore planting, clear weeds and loosen the surrounding soil thoroughly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen planting:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep the exposed roots protected from drying out\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDig a trench or individual planting holes large enough for the roots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpread the roots naturally rather than bending them tightly into the hole\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlant at approximately the same depth the plants were previously growing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid burying the stem too deeply\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackfill with soil and gently firm around the roots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrim the tops\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWater thoroughly after planting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMulching after planting can help conserve moisture and reduce competition from weeds, but keep mulch away from direct contact with the stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWatering Newly Planted Blackthorn\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough Blackthorn is tough once established, newly planted bare root hedging still requires careful watering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater thoroughly immediately after planting to help settle the soil around the roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs plants begin active growth in spring, monitor moisture levels carefully. During \u003cstrong\u003ewarm, dry or windy weather\u003c\/strong\u003e, provide a good deep soak rather than relying on small amounts of surface watering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegular watering throughout the first growing season is particularly important while the new root system becomes established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Far Apart Should I Plant Blackthorn?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlanting distance will depend on the size of the plants and the type of hedge you want to establish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor native hedging projects, Blackthorn can be planted in a \u003cstrong\u003esingle or staggered double row\u003c\/strong\u003e, depending on the required density and planting scheme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere Blackthorn is being incorporated into a mixed native hedge, plants can be distributed amongst the other species to create a more natural appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlways refer to the recommended spacing for the particular plant size and hedge design before planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Quickly Does Blackthorn Grow?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackthorn has a naturally vigorous habit once established and can develop into a dense hedge over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrowth rate will be influenced by soil, position, available moisture and general aftercare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBare root plants may initially look relatively small compared with pot-grown hedging, but once established they provide a highly economical way of creating a substantial native boundary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePruning Blackthorn Hedging\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackthorn responds well to pruning and can be maintained as a dense hedge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYoung hedging can be pruned to encourage \u003cstrong\u003ebushy growth from lower down\u003c\/strong\u003e, helping to create a fuller boundary rather than allowing plants to become tall and sparse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce established, routine trimming can be used to control the hedge's height and width.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf flowers and sloes are an important feature, bear in mind that the timing of pruning will influence flowering and fruit production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eIs Blackthorn Evergreen?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Blackthorn is \u003cstrong\u003edeciduous\u003c\/strong\u003e, meaning it naturally loses its leaves during autumn and remains largely bare through winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, its dense network of thorny branches continues to provide structure and screening during the dormant season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFresh leaves and white blossom return as growth begins again in spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBlackthorn or Hawthorn?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth Blackthorn and Hawthorn are excellent native hedging plants and are frequently planted together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackthorn is particularly recognisable for its \u003cstrong\u003eearly white blossom, dark thorny branches and sloes\u003c\/strong\u003e, while Hawthorn has its own distinctive flowers and red haws.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than choosing one or the other, combining them within a mixed native hedge can create greater seasonal variety and wildlife value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eBuy Blackthorn Bare Root Hedging Online\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur \u003cstrong\u003eBlackthorn Bare Root Hedging\u003c\/strong\u003e is an excellent choice for creating traditional native boundaries, wildlife hedges and mixed country planting schemes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its dense thorny growth, beautiful white spring blossom and distinctive autumn sloes, \u003cstrong\u003ePrunus spinosa\u003c\/strong\u003e provides seasonal interest alongside excellent habitat and shelter for wildlife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupplied during the dormant bare root season, it is a cost-effective option for everything from smaller garden boundaries to larger-scale native hedging projects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShop Blackthorn Bare Root Hedging online and create a hardy, wildlife-friendly native hedge with traditional countryside character.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"blackthorn-hedging-bare-root-60-100-cm-delivery-jan-feb","title":"Blackthorn Hedging Bare Root 60-100 cm Delivery from November","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlackthorn (Prunus spinosa)\u003c\/strong\u003e is a tough, native deciduous shrub beloved for its dense, thorny growth and seasonal beauty. Perfect for wildlife-friendly hedging, it creates a secure, stock-proof barrier that’s ideal for gardens, fields, and natural boundaries.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn early spring, Blackthorn bursts into a profusion of pure white flowers before its leaves appear, bringing a welcome splash of brightness. These are followed by sloes — small dark fruits perfect for making sloe gin and attracting birds and other wildlife. Hardy and fast-growing, it thrives in most soils and conditions, requiring little maintenance once established.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSupplied as \u003cstrong\u003ebare root plants (60–100 cm)\u003c\/strong\u003e and delivered from \u003cstrong\u003eNovember\u003c\/strong\u003e, Blackthorn is an excellent, cost-effective choice for larger hedging projects and naturalistic planting schemes.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eNative deciduous shrub with dense, thorny growth – ideal for secure hedging\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eMasses of white spring blossom and autumn sloes for wildlife and foraging\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eHardy, fast-growing, and low-maintenance\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eExcellent for field boundaries, wildlife corridors, or mixed native hedges\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eBare root plants (60–100 cm) delivered November, perfect for winter planting\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003ePosition: Full sun to partial shade\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoil: Any well-drained soil, including poor or chalky soils\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eWatering: Water well during the first season; low-maintenance once established\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003ePruning: Trim after flowering or in winter to maintain shape\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpacing: Plant 3–5 per metre for a dense hedge\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDesign Ideas:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eCreate a \u003cstrong\u003ewildlife-rich native hedge\u003c\/strong\u003e for gardens, fields, or rural boundaries\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eUse as a \u003cstrong\u003ethorny security barrier\u003c\/strong\u003e around properties or livestock areas\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eCombine with hawthorn, dog rose, or field maple for a mixed native hedge\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinal Thought:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith its tough, thorny structure, beautiful spring blossom, and wildlife-friendly sloes, \u003cstrong\u003eBlackthorn\u003c\/strong\u003e is a timeless choice for secure, natural hedging. Delivered as bare root plants from \u003cstrong\u003eNovember\u003c\/strong\u003e, it’s a cost-effective way to establish a thriving hedge over winter.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grasslands Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55463607501126,"sku":"171773","price":1.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0796\/7948\/8326\/files\/511d211f-85f1-4a96-bfb2-1ce215363ede.jpg?v=1763377307"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0796\/7948\/8326\/collections\/blackthorn.jpg?v=1790156857","url":"https:\/\/www.grasslands.co.uk\/collections\/blackthorn-bare-root.oembed","provider":"Grasslands Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}