Prunus shrubs, which include varieties such as Portugese Laurel and the Common or Cherry Laurel are fast growing shrubs, often used as hedgings plants. Laurel shrubs are excellent as a screening hedge and can be trimmed to any height, although will ultimately grow to 15ft if left untrimmed. Blackthorn is the perfect barrier for keeping wandering pets or unwanted visitors at bay due to it's dark strong thorns and prickly appearance. As a huge attraction to birds and wildlife, the Blackthorn hedge produces beautiful white flowers in the early spring, followed by Sloe berries that ripen in October offering a deep purple in colour.