Bare Root ~ Blackthorn

Blackthorn is a notoriously hardy shrub. Traditionally found in hedgerows, it may be planted in most soils including sandy or clay-heavy soils and survives periods of drought that destroy other hedge plants. When planting blackthorn, however, make sure to pick a shade-free spot, as this shrubby little tree adores full sun. It is also a useful plant as it tolerates exposure to cold. Makes a good protective hedge.

Bare root trees are dispatched from November. If your order contains other plants or trees available now, please get in touch if you would like the other trees sooner.

The fruit, called a “sloe” are black with a purple-blue waxy bloom, ripening in autumn, and harvested traditionally in October or November after the first frosts. Sloes are thin-fleshed, with a very strongly astringent flavour when fresh. The berries are beneficial to birds and other wildlife. The berries are the essential ingredient for making Sloe Gin!