Prunus spinosa 'Purpurea'
blackthorn 'Purpurea'
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
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink White | Red | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Purple | |||
| Autumn | Red Purple | Black | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Seed kernels harmful if eaten, wear 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 subject to silver leaf and blossom wilt
Get involved
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