Blackthorn 40/60cm 2L pot Prunus spinosa

The Blackthorn hedge (Prunus spinosa) is a hardy, bird-friendly species that’s native to the UK, which means it thrives in the British countryside. This dense, spiny hedging plant bursts into life in early spring with a cloud of delicate white blossoms on bare branches, releasing a sweet, almondy fragrance and providing a vital food source for pollinators. While often compared to Hawthorn, one thing that sets Blackthorn apart is that it flowers before it comes into leaf. Then, as the seasons change, its dark green leaves create a natural screen, while in autumn, the hedge is dotted with deep purple sloes — small, damson-like fruit that can be used to make gin or eaten as they are.

With its robust and prickly structure, Blackthorn hedging is a natural deterrent to any unwanted visitors, making it ideal for creating intruder-proof borders around gardens and other private outdoor spaces. And it's not just the exterior that’s tough — this native species is incredibly resilient, tolerating strong winds, coastal conditions, and poor soils without fuss. However, make sure you’re planting in areas with full sun, as the only thing Blackthorn doesn’t tolerate well is shade. As a fast-growing option, Blackthorn can put on up to 60cm of growth per year, forming a thick hedge with minimal maintenance.

Our Blackthorn hedge plants are available as bare-root plants during the dormant season (November-April), and pot-grown varieties year-round.* Learn more with our guide to the four hedging root types.

If you’re not sure how many plants you’ll need, our guide to planting density can help you create the perfect hedge for your space.

*Bare-root and root-ball stock are subject to availability and may change, but are generally available from autumn through to spring.