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Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) is a native Irish hedging plant known for its thorny branches, early spring flowers, and autumn fruit. This robust and hardy shrub is ideal for creating dense, natural hedgerows that provide year-round shelter for wildlife. In spring, Blackthorn produces a stunning display of white blossoms before its leaves emerge, followed by small, dark purple sloes in autumn, which are valued by both wildlife and humans.
Wildlife-Friendly: Blackthorn hedging provides excellent habitat for birds and small mammals. Its dense, thorny growth offers ideal nesting sites, while the sloes are a valuable food source for birds in autumn.
Seasonal Interest: Early spring blooms bring a burst of white flowers, while the sloes add autumn interest to your landscape.
Natural Barrier: The thick, spiny branches form a highly effective barrier for livestock, making it popular for farms and rural boundaries.
Native Species: As a native species, Blackthorn supports local ecosystems and plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity in Ireland.
Blackthorn is relatively low-maintenance but benefits from regular attention to ensure it thrives as a dense, healthy hedge.
Planting: Best planted in the autumn or early spring, Blackthorn thrives in well-drained soils and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. Ensure proper spacing (around 30-40 cm between plants) to allow for thick, healthy growth.
Pruning: Light winter pruning helps shape the hedge and encourages denser growth. Cut back any weak or crossing branches to maintain its structure. If planting Blackthorn as a hedge, coppicing (cutting it back hard every few years) promotes strong regrowth.
Watering: Once established, Blackthorn is quite drought-resistant, but young plants should be watered regularly in their first year to help them settle and establish strong root systems.
Pest & Disease Resistance: Blackthorn is relatively pest-free but can occasionally be affected by black knot fungus. Regular inspection and removal of infected branches can help manage this.
Due to its value in promoting biodiversity and providing shelter, Blackthorn is a recommended choice for ACRES Scheme participants looking to enhance the environmental impact of their farms.
Tubex Nature™ Standard Tree Shelter is one of the most popular twin-walled tree shelters to protect growing trees from wildlife damage while supporting tree growth, designed for hard-to-reach areas where collection isn’t possible.
Please note:
Tubex Standard 75cm is suitable for new ACRES scheme
The Fagus sylvatica 'Atropurpurea,' commonly known as Copper Beech, is a majestic deciduous tree famed for its deep purple to copper-colored foliage that creates a stunning presence in the landscape. With a broad, rounded canopy and smooth gray bark, this tree grows up to 50-60 feet tall and 35-40 feet wide at maturity, making it ideal for large gardens or parkland settings. Its striking leaf color shifts to bronze tones in the fall, offering year-round interest and a sense of grandeur.
sold in 12 litre pot
3/4 Standard Portuguese Laurel, a variant of Prunus lusitanica, is a versatile evergreen tree with a well-defined, rounded canopy that reaches three-fourths of its natural mature height. Recognized for its glossy, dark green leaves, this tree is prized for its adaptability to various soil types and its suitability for hedges, screens, or standalone ornamental use. Its dense foliage and year-round greenery contribute to an elegant and formal appearance in gardens or landscapes.
Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' is a popular choice for creating stunning hedges due to its glossy, dark green foliage and vibrant red new growth in spring. This evergreen shrub can reach a height of up to 4 meters and can be easily pruned into a desired shape or size. 'Red Robin' thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is also resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance option for hedges in gardens, parks, or public spaces. Its striking appearance and versatility make it a great addition to any landscape design.
Fagus sylvatica
Also known as European beech trees, are deciduous trees that are native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They are known for their smooth, grey bark and their bright green, oval-shaped leaves. Green beech trees can grow to be quite tall, with some reaching up to 120 feet in height. They are also long-lived trees, with some specimens living for more than 300 years. Green beech trees are popular ornamental trees and are often planted in gardens and parks. They are also used in forestry and as shade trees. In the fall, the leaves of green beech trees turn golden brown before falling off the tree
Betula pendula also known as Silver birch
Acer Emerald Queen (Norway Maple)
A majestic specimen offering excellent shade and stunning fall colors
The Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood,' also known as the Bloodgood Japanese Maple, is a striking ornamental tree prized for its vibrant, deep burgundy foliage that lasts through spring, summer, and intensifies in fall. Its delicate, hand-like leaves create a captivating texture in any garden, making it a stunning focal point in both formal and informal landscapes
Olearia traversii can be an excellent choice for a hedge, particularly in coastal areas or locations with well-drained soils. Its dense growth habit, attractive silvery-gray foliage, and adaptability to coastal conditions make it a desirable option for landscaping purposes.
Acer palmatum 'Orange Dream' Japanese Maple
The Acer palmatum 'Orange Dream' is a captivating Japanese Maple known for its stunning color display and graceful, airy form. This unique cultivar has bright orange-yellow leaves in spring, which mature to chartreuse in summer, and finish with golden-orange tones in the fall.
