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AGM plants have been through a rigorous trial and assessment programme. They are:
This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects.
It is included in an evolving list of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts. Divided into 3 groups these lists, linked below, are maintained by a team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually.
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Other common names blackthorn sloe
sloe plum buckthorn bullace skeg snag
Synonyms Prunus platyphylla Prunus stilboacantha
Prunus myriocephala
Family Rosaceae
Genus Prunus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with showy flowers in spring, and often good autumn foliage colour. Some have edible fruit in autumn, and a few species have ornamental bark
Details P. spinosa is a small thorny deciduous tree with dark green, ovate leaves, and small white flowers in early spring, followed by ovoid, bloomy black fruits 1.5cm across
Plant range Eur. to Russia Med.
Foliage Deciduous
Habit Bushy
Hardiness
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H7
Full Sun
Aspect West-facing or South-facing or North-facing or East-facing
Exposure Exposed or Sheltered
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
MoistureMoist but well-drained
SoilChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Ultimate height 2.5-4 metres
Ultimate spread 2.5-4 metres
Time to ultimate height 20-50 years
Cultivation Easy to grow native shrub or small tree, that can be used for hedging. Grows in any moist well-drained soil in full sun
Propagation Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat or propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types Low Maintenance Wildlife Gardens Coastal Wildflower meadow
Pruning Pruning group 1. Prune in mid-summer if silver leaf is a problem
Pests Susceptible to damage from aphids, caterpillars and bullfinches
Diseases May be subject to silver leaf and blossom wilt
RHS members can get exclusive individual advice from the RHS Gardening Advice team.
blackthorn
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