Rootballed Prunus spinosa

Blackthorn Hedging

A tough UK native deciduous hedge with dense thorny growth, masses of white spring blossom and distinctive blue-black sloes, ideal for wildlife, security and traditional rural boundaries.

Prunus spinosa, commonly known as Blackthorn, is a traditional British native hedging plant valued for its dense, thorny growth and exceptional wildlife interest. Masses of small white flowers appear on the bare branches in early spring, often before the foliage emerges, creating an impressive seasonal display.

The flowers are followed by distinctive blue-black sloes in autumn, providing food for wildlife as well as the fruit traditionally used for making sloe gin and preserves. Its tough, densely branched and thorny habit makes Blackthorn particularly suitable for natural security barriers, rural boundaries and mixed native hedging.

Why Choose Prunus spinosa?

• UK native hedging species

• Dense, thorny growth creates an effective natural barrier

• Masses of white flowers in early spring

• Produces distinctive blue-black sloes

• Excellent value for birds, insects and other wildlife

• Hardy and tolerant of exposed conditions

• Excellent for mixed native hedging

• Ideal for rural, agricultural and naturalistic boundaries

Why Buy Rootballed Blackthorn?

Rootballed Prunus spinosa is field-grown and lifted with a substantial ball of soil retained around its root system.

This allows larger, established Blackthorn plants to be supplied where greater initial height, structure and boundary definition are required, making them particularly useful for substantial hedges and larger landscape planting schemes.

Available Sizes

Rootballed Blackthorn is available in a range of heights, subject to seasonal nursery availability.

Larger plants provide greater immediate structure and presence, while smaller sizes can offer an economical solution for longer boundaries and mixed native planting schemes.

How Many Plants Do I Need?

Plant spacing depends upon the size selected, whether Blackthorn is being planted as a single-species hedge or as part of a mixed native hedge, and the density required.

Our hedging guide will help you calculate the appropriate number of plants for the length of your proposed hedge.

Supply & Professional Planting

We can supply rootballed Prunus spinosa for customers undertaking their own planting or provide a complete professional supply and planting service.

Kirman Design can undertake ground preparation, correct spacing and planting and provide establishment and aftercare guidance.

Important – Rootballed Plants Are Seasonal

Rootballed Blackthorn is supplied according to seasonal nursery availability and suitable lifting and planting conditions.

For larger quantities or particular sizes, early ordering is recommended.

Delivery, Access & Planting

Rootballed hedging can be large and heavy, particularly at the larger sizes. Before ordering, it is important to consider delivery access, the route to the planting position and how the plants will be handled and planted.

Read our Guide to Hedge Delivery, Access & Planting

We can install any hedge in all of the following postcodes;

BB, BL, CH1 - CH5, CW8, CW9, FY, L, LA1 - LA6, M, OL, PR, SK1 - SK12, WA, & WN. Please do not purchase if you want the hedging installed outside this area. If you do live outside the area, then please give us a call on 01942 604976 and we can see if it’s possible to do this.