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Prunus spinosa on fence
Hi All
I have a North East(ish) facing fence that I would like to have a thorny bush / climber against.
Would a Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) be suitable for this? I would like to keep it pruned and not too bushy.
If this isn't the option, can anyone recommend one? I have also seen a Berberis julianae wintergreen barberry which looks a nice bush.
Thanks in advance
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Blackthorn is a good choice. It's a tough plant and will suit there. I'm not a fan fo Berberis Julianae, but it is also just as suitable. You can plant up a mixed hedge even if it is a small wall/fence. Hawthorn go well. Chaenomeles Japonica/Speciosa the ornamental quince shrub is also a nice shrub for a wall. Can be wall trained or loosely grown and has the most attractive flowers in the darkest months of the year followed by fruit if the summer has been hot.
Another shrub that will do well on your north aspect is Osmanthus Heterophyllus. Makes a nice dense barrier and good shrub other than holly if you are looking for a more formal look, but again, could be mixed with other shrubs too. Flowers and berries, what more could you ask for in a shrub.
the downside of Prunus spinosa is suckering.
Pyracantha is another option but you wouldn't get the lovely berries if pruned back too hard
In the sticks near Peterborough