{"product_id":"blackthorn-sloe-prunus-spinosa","title":"Blackthorn \/ Sloe (prunus spinosa)","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative UK shrub, ideal for wildlife-friendly gardens and hedgerows.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEarly spring white flowers provide vital nectar for bees and pollinators.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDense thorny growth offers secure, intruder-proof hedging and nesting sites for birds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAutumn sloes are a food source for birds and mammals; also used for sloe gin.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSupports numerous insects, including butterfly and moth caterpillars.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardy, tolerant of poor soils, wind, and coastal conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuckering habit helps keep hedges dense and form thickets unless they are mown.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlanting Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBest time: Bare-root plants in dormant season (November to early April); container-grown anytime.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSite: Full sun or semi shade preferred; moist but well-drained soil (tolerates most types except waterlogged or deep shade).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePreparation: Dig hole twice root spread; improve soil with compost if needed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpacing for hedging: 30-45cm apart in single row (or staggered double for thicker hedge).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlanting: Firm soil around roots, water well; mulch to retain moisture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAftercare: Water regularly first year; prune in winter to shape (wear gloves due to thorns).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Cumbria Tree Growers Ltd","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm","offer_id":58487455678808,"sku":null,"price":0.91,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm","offer_id":58487455711576,"sku":null,"price":1.06,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm","offer_id":58487455744344,"sku":null,"price":1.15,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1012\/4879\/4968\/files\/IMG_6304.jpg?v=1789934013","url":"https:\/\/www.treegrowers.co.uk\/products\/blackthorn-sloe-prunus-spinosa","provider":"Cumbria Tree Growers Ltd","version":"1.0","type":"link"}