{"product_id":"purging-buckthorn-rhamnus-cathartica","title":"Purging Buckthorn (rhamnus cathartica)","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative UK species, commonly found in scrub, woodland, and hedgerows, especially on chalky soils in England and southern Wales.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHighly valuable for wildlife: sole larval foodplant (along with Alder Buckthorn) for Brimstone butterfly caterpillars; supports Tiger Moth larvae; flowers attract adult butterflies and bees; black berries provide autumn food for birds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eForms dense, thorny thickets ideal for secure hedging, wildlife habitats, or informal barriers up to 6-8m tall.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAttractive glossy dark green leaves turning yellow in autumn; produces small yellowish-green flowers and red-to-black berries.\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\u003eSite selection: Tolerates full sun, partial shade, or full shade; prefers moist but well-drained soil; thrives on chalky\/calcareous soils but adapts to most types, including poor or coastal conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardiness: Fully hardy across the UK.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlanting time: Best in dormant season (November-March) using bare-root plants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpacing: For hedging, plant 30-45cm apart in a single row or staggered double row.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare: Water well in first year; minimal pruning needed (summer if required); can be coppiced for regrowth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaution: Berries and leaves mildly toxic to humans\/pets (laxative effect); consider wearing gloves when handling; plant is dioecious (needs male and female for berries).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Cumbria Tree Growers Ltd","offers":[{"title":"40-60cm","offer_id":58492872622424,"sku":null,"price":0.96,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-90cm","offer_id":58492872655192,"sku":null,"price":1.56,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1012\/4879\/4968\/files\/IMG_7335.jpg?v=1789986678","url":"https:\/\/www.treegrowers.co.uk\/products\/purging-buckthorn-rhamnus-cathartica","provider":"Cumbria Tree Growers Ltd","version":"1.0","type":"link"}