Sloe Bush

Sloe (also known as blackthorn) is a native hedgerow tree. It will reward you with spring flowers and autumn berries for many years to come. It will not grow too big, and do not need a lot of attention.

While you could keep the plant in a pot, it will grow better if you plant it out, and will not need watering except perhaps if there is a very dry summer in its first year. These are native trees and even when young are pretty hardy. They will do well in a range of soils and situations and are not too difficult.

It is a good idea to prune the plant into the shape suitable for your garden. You can leave as a large bush, or you can remove the lower branches so it becomes a little tree. Why not clip it back just before the flower buds open, and bring the prunings inside to open in a vase? The white flowers on the dark bare branches are one of the first signs of spring.

Sloe berries can be made into sloe gin, or you can make them into jam, or even leave them for the birds!