25x Bare Root Blackthorn Plants (3ft) PRE-ORDER

First Dispatch Date: 9th November 2026

Bare Root Blackthorn Hedging - Description

• Bare Root Blackthorn Plants
• Prunus spinosa
• Also known as Blackthorn, Sloe Bush and Wild Plum
• Native Irish Hedging Plant
• Bare Root Plants - Supplied without Containers or Pots
• Size: 3ft (60–100cm)
• Age: 2 Year Old Plants (1+0 / 1 Year Transplant)
• Quantity: 25 Plants
• Recommended Spacing: 10–30cm Between Plants
• Closer spacing creates a thicker and denser hedge

Bare Root Blackthorn Hedging - Characteristics

• Deciduous native shrub or small tree which can reach approximately 4m in height
• Loses its foliage during winter
• Produces white flowers in April and May
• Flowers appear before the new foliage develops
• Produces sloes in autumn
• Sloes are small, dark purple to blue-black fruits with a distinctive sour flavour
• Very hardy and well suited to cold Irish winters
• Dense, thorny growth makes it particularly useful for boundary hedging

Bare Root Blackthorn Hedging - Uses

• Native to Ireland and an excellent choice for native gardens and traditional hedgerows
• Thorny growth makes it ideal for boundary hedges and creating natural barriers
• Suitable for livestock-proof hedging when properly established and managed
• Forms a dense, informal hedge when planted and allowed to develop naturally
• Provides valuable shelter and habitat for birds, insects and other wildlife
• Can be combined with other native hedging plants such as Holly, Hazel, Whitethorn, Elder, Wild Rose, Ivy and Bramble
• Can also be grown as an individual specimen shrub or small tree
• Produces attractive white spring blossom followed by sloes in autumn

Bare Root Blackthorn Hedging - Planting Instructions

Planting Time

• Plant bare root hedging during the dormant season from October to March.
• Avoid planting when the ground is frozen or during severe frosty conditions.

Trench Preparation

• Dig a trench approximately 1.5ft wide and 1.5ft deep.
• Add well-rotted farmyard manure to the base of the trench if required.
• Cover the manure with a layer of soil before planting.

Positioning Plants

• Space plants approximately 10–30cm apart depending on the desired hedge density.
• For a thicker hedge, plants can be staggered to create a double row.
• Staggering the plants creates a wider and denser hedge.
• Backfill with suitable topsoil.
• Ensure the base of each plant is positioned just below the soil surface.
• Firm the soil carefully around the roots.
• Level the soil around the plants.

Handling the Plants

• Watering is essential both before and after planting.
• Plant the bare root plants as soon as possible after delivery.
• If planting is delayed, temporarily heel the plants into suitable soil.
• Keep the roots in their packaging and protected from direct sunlight.
• Take care not to damage the roots, bark or buds during planting.

After Care

• Water regularly until the plants are fully established.
• Water thoroughly immediately after planting.
• During prolonged dry weather, water approximately every 2 days.
• Keep the area around the new hedge free from competing weeds.
• A new hedge should be weeded at least three times during the growing season.
• We recommend weeding in March, June and September.
• Weed membrane and mulch can be used to help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.

Pruning

• Allow the hedge to establish and grow during its first two years.
• After establishment, cut back as required to encourage dense, bushy growth.
• Blackthorn responds well to hard pruning and can regenerate strongly from established growth.

Blackthorn - Quick Facts

• Blackthorn is a native Irish plant and an important traditional hedgerow species.
• Its dense, thorny growth creates an effective natural barrier.
• Blackthorn responds well to hard pruning and can regenerate from established plants.
• The white spring flowers appear before the leaves, creating an attractive early-season display.
• The dark fruits produced in autumn are known as sloes and are traditionally used to make sloe-based drinks and preserves.
• Blackthorn provides valuable habitat and shelter for wildlife.
• Blackthorn wood has traditionally been used to make walking sticks and other items.
• The species name spinosa means "thorny" or "spiny".