Prunus spinosa - 60-90 cm - Bare root

Prunus spinosa: The Versatile Blackthorn for a Natural Garden

The Prunus spinosa, commonly known as blackthorn, is a robust native shrub that is particularly popular in natural gardens and mixed hedges. With its beautiful spring blossoms and nutritious autumn berries, this shrub not only offers aesthetic value but also ecological benefits.

Bloom and Growth

Blackthorn blooms as early as March and April, producing an abundance of small white flowers that adorn its bare branches. This early flowering attracts bees and other insects seeking their first nectar after winter. After flowering, the well-known blue-black sloes appear, which birds like thrushes and blackbirds love to eat. These berries can also be processed into liqueurs like sloe gin or jams, especially after the first frost, when they lose some of their bitterness.

Perfect for a Natural Garden

Blackthorn grows well in almost any soil type and thrives in sunny or partially shaded areas. It is ideal for use in hedges or as a standalone shrub in a wild garden, where its thorny branches provide shelter for birds and other wildlife. The shrub can reach heights of 2 to 4 meters and has a dense, impenetrable structure, making it perfect for creating natural boundaries.

Maintenance and Care

Prunus spinosa is a low-maintenance plant. It requires little pruning but can be trimmed in winter or immediately after flowering to maintain its shape. Be mindful of its strong root suckers, which can spread unintentionally. This makes it suitable for larger gardens or landscape planting, but less so for smaller gardens.

An Important Ecological Contribution

With its spring blossoms and autumn fruits, blackthorn is of great importance for biodiversity. It provides food and shelter for a variety of species, from insects to birds. This makes it a valuable addition to any garden focused on supporting local wildlife.

Choose Prunus spinosa to enrich your garden with a low-maintenance, ecologically valuable shrub that brings life and color year-round.