Overview
Blackthorn Bonsai (Prunus spinosa) is a native thorny shrub with early white blossom, dark bark and blue-black sloes. It is best suited to wild hedgerow bonsai, literati, clump and flowering displays. For UK growers, treat it as: Outdoor.
Placement
full sun for blossom and fruit
Watering
keep evenly moist during growth and fruiting
Feeding and fertilising
feed moderately after flowering
Pruning and wiring
prune after flowering and handle thorns with care; avoid excessive late pruning of flower buds
Repotting
repot every 2-3 years in early spring
Propagation
suckers, cuttings, seed or layering
Pests, diseases and common issues
aphids, fungal disease, thorns and suckering from roots