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First time I have ever tried to grow fruit, i.e. a relative novice. So you can imagine my surprise and delight when my Raspberries Polkas started to appear a couple of weeks ago (a month early!). Now growing in abundance and with a little bit of added sugar... "Absolutely delicious!!!!"
Mark, Derbyshire
Sloe Bush
Prunus spinosa
- Sometimes known as Blackthorn.
- Clouds of white flowers are followed by the astringent blue-black fruits. Ideal for jams, jellies - and of course sloe gin.
- Self Fertile.
Supplied as a containerised tree pruned to approximately 2 - 3 feet (60 - 90 cm) tall including pot.
Available from approximately mid June 2013.1 or more £4.95 each. Group & quantity discounts
Sometimes known as Blackthorn, it is actually the fruit of the bush that is known as the sloe.
A native to the UK, these are often found growing wild in hedgerows and scrub land - but for those wanting to guarantee a supply of Sloes (or should that be homemade sloe gin?) there is no better way than planting a few.
In April and May they are covered in clouds of pretty bowl-shaped white flowers which, come the Autumn, will result in a heavy crop of those all important blue-black fruits. We find it better to let the fruits have a frost or two before picking as this will sweeten the fruit ever so slightly - worth considering when making jams and jellies.
These really are a bit of England's heritage. The wood was a favourite in times of old for making magical wands and divining rods; in more recent times it has been said make the best walking sticks.
Its medicinal uses are also legendary. It is said a tea made from the leaves is a mild purgative and will also help with bladder problems and bronchial problems; the fresh juice from the fruit is said to help throat infections - but as they are so 'sharp' we think you'd have to be feeling pretty poorly to try that!
- Left to their own devices they will grow to a substantial bushy tree up to 16 feet (5 metres) tall, but they take well to being pruned and we would suggest maintaining as a 6 - 8 feet (1.8 - 2.4 metre) tall bush.
- Planted 2 feet (60cm) apart they make an excellent hedge that is all but impenetrable - due to the vicious spines on the stems (hence thorn in the name).
Recommended by the RHS to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.
Disclaimer
As with all alternative medicines and plants with purported medicinal benefits it is important to inform your health care providers that you are using them; this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care. We can accept no liability for any side effect or contingency from any allergy or any other cause or harm that may arise. If in doubt please do consult a medical practitioner before using.
General Information
Fruit Tree Pollination Simplified (hopefully)
Information on fruit tree fertility, pollination and compatibility, with simple explanations of regularly used terms.
Pollinator Friendly Plants
A detailed guide to the seeds and plants Victoriana Nurseries sell that will attract and provide a food source to bees and other beneficial pollinating insects.
How To...
How To Plant Bare Root & Potted Fruit Trees (Video)
An instructional video by Stephen explaining the differences between a bare root and potted fruit tree, and how to plant them.
How To Plant Fruit Trees & Nut Trees
Detailed advice on planting fruit and nut trees - including advice on container growing.
Recipes
Sloe Gin Recipe
A traditional recipe for making sloe gin that can easily be adapted for making other fruit gins or vodkas.