Blackthorn (likely)
Prunus spinosa (likely; cherry plum not ruled out)
Tall, slender single stem with dark purple-brown bark, sharp thorny spurs and small narrow leaves, staked to a bamboo cane. Probably blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), though the glossy red-brown young stems mean cherry plum (P. cerasifera) is not ruled out. Spring blossom should settle it.
- Common name
- Blackthorn (likely)
- Section
- Trees & shrubs (also in Fruit, veg & herbs)
- Spot
- Garden
- Soil
- Nursery compost
- Options
Bonsai · Plant out
Bonsai
Great bonsai material: blackthorn develops gnarled, characterful trunks and flowers on bare wood in early spring. Could also make a lovely wildlife hedge plant.
Plant out
Great bonsai material: blackthorn develops gnarled, characterful trunks and flowers on bare wood in early spring. Could also make a lovely wildlife hedge plant.
- From
- A local independent garden centre, Jul 2026
- Age
- About 3 years
- Next repot
- Around Mar 2027
- Edible
- 🤔 Sort of: Sloes: far too sour raw, perfect for sloe gin.
- Hardy
- ✅ Fully
- Garden-centre price
- about £10
Did you know?
Sloes are traditionally picked after the first frost, which splits their skins for sloe gin. A spell in the freezer does the same job.
Care & updates
- Next root check
- Mar 2027
- What to expect
- Flowering and cropping depend on maturity, variety, pollination and growing conditions. First useful harvests may take several seasons. Flowers Apr–May.
- Feeding
- Every 28 days, Mar–Jul, with High-potash fruit feed
- Identification
Leaf and stem close-ups confirm a Prunus. Blackthorn is still the best guess, but the glossy red-brown young stems leave cherry plum possible.
- Observation
Tall single whip with thorny side shoots and small leaves, tied to a cane. Grass and weeds growing in the pot.
🎮
Mickey braves an enchanted forest full of thorns and prickles.
Look it up →