Ribes nigrum
Blackcurrant, European blackcurrant
- Height × spread
- 1.5m – 2m × 1.5m – 1.5m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Generally available in late Spring
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
The blackcurrant is not grown for its ornamental qualities. The shrubs do have aromatic properties since the leaves, if crushed, carry the aromatic scent of blackcurrants. The plant makes a shrub up to 2 metres in height, and the fruit dangles beneath the branches. They benefit from regular feeding to maximize the fruit production. It is possible to grow them in containers, and to protect them from frost in winter as frosts will check the early production of fruit.
- Flower colour
- Green, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Black
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 1.5m – 2m
- Spread
- 1.5m – 1.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Structural, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction, Bird attraction
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Winter
Winter - late · Planting
Prune soft fruit bushes
Prune lightly in first 3 years. After that prune to encourage new stems from the base. Remove one-quarter of the oldest, plus weak or rubbing stems and any touching the ground. Cut at base or just above a young strong shoot lower down the branch.
Applies to currants, gooseberries, blueberries and honeyberries
Found in
More Ribes
Ribes
Currant, Gooseberry
Ribes nigrum 'Titania'
Mid-season blackcurrant
Ribes rubrum 'Jonkheer van Tets'
Early red currant
Ribes rubrum 'White Versailles'
Whitecurrant 'Versailles Blanche', Early white currant
Ribes sanguineum 'King Edward VII'
Flowering currant, Winter currant, California gooseberry
Ribes uva-crispa
Gooseberry, Goosegog
Ribes uva-crispa 'Hinnonmaki Yellow'
Cooking & eating gooseberry
Ribes uva-crispa 'Invicta'
Cooking & eating gooseberry