Bareroot Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn)

A tough and versatile native shrub that brings both beauty and practicality to the garden. In early spring, it bursts into life with a profusion of delicate white blossoms, providing vital nectar for early pollinators. Its small, dark purple fruits are prized for wildlife and can be used to make preserves. With its dense, thorny growth, it forms an excellent natural barrier for hedging, perfect for security and sheltering wildlife. Thriving in poor soils and exposed sites, this hardy plant is ideal for creating robust, wildlife-friendly boundaries in rural or coastal landscapes. A true countryside classic that offers seasonal interest and ecological benefits.

Family of Trees: Rosaceae

Habit: Deciduous Shrub

Growth Rate: 20-40 cm/year

Optimal Temperature: 10-20°C, hardy to -25°C

Harmful if Eaten?: Fruits edible when cooked, raw may cause discomfort

Flowers or Berries: White flowers, blue-black sloes

Hardiness: H6 (Very Hardy)

Hardiness ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

○ H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
○ H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
○ H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
○ H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
○ H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
○ H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
○ H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
○ H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
○ H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)