Prunus spinosa 'Purpurea'

RHS Plant Profile
blackthorn 'Purpurea'
Plants for pollinators
Shrubs Trees

A deciduous, spiny shrub or small tree, to 6m tall, with ovate leaves that emerge bright red in spring before deepening to a dark red-purple. Saucer-shaped pale pink to white flowers are borne in early to mid-spring and followed by ovoid, blue-bloomed fruits that turn a shiny black

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Seed kernels harmful if eatenwear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, rabbits, rodents): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows in any moist well-drained soil in full sun; can be used for hedging

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Hedging and screens

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 susceptible to silver leaf and blossom wilt