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Ribes nigrum ‘Ben Lomond’ (Black Currant)

Black Currant 'Ben Lomond', Blackcurrant 'Ben Lomond', European Black Currant

Ribes nigrum 'Ben Lomond', Black Currant 'Ben Lomond', Blackcurrant 'Ben Lomond', Black Berries, Black Currants, Fruit Shrub

Noted for its high fruit quality and high content of vitamin C, Ribes nigrum ‘Ben Lomond’ is a compact Black Currant for culinary or dessert use. This deciduous shrub produces clusters of pale green flowers in spring. It tolerates lower temperatures during bloom, making this cultivar a good choice for frosty sites. The blossoms are followed by a heavy crop of drooping clusters of large, edible, shiny black currants which ripen evenly in early-mid summer. Rich in flavor, the fruits can be eaten fresh from the shrub or can be used in sophisticated foods, drinks, and desserts. The canes are compact, spreading, and moderately vigorous. They are clothed in attractive, ovate, 3-5 lobed, blue-green leaves that turn yellow in fall. This plant is self-fertile and reported to have winter hardiness, resistance to late-spring frosts, and high yields. Moderately tolerant of powdery mildew.

  • Grows up to 4-5 ft. tall and wide (120-150 cm).
  • A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Prefers full sun but appreciates some shade in hot summer areas. Site in a location protected from strong winter winds and frost pockets.
  • May take 4-5 years for the plant to become well-established and reach full fruit-bearing potential.
  • Attracts scores of butterflies and birds but is ignored by rabbits.
  • Keep an eye out for gall mites, gall midges, and aphids.
  • Prune as needed during the dormant season.
  • Propagate by hardwood cuttings.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 7
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Fruits, Shrubs
Plant Family Grossulariaceae
Genus Ribes
Common names Currant, Black Currant
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 4' - 5'
(120cm - 150cm)
Spread 4' - 5'
(120cm - 150cm)
Spacing 48" (120cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Rabbit
Attracts Birds
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Ribes californicum (California Gooseberry)
Ribes cereum (Wax Currant)
Ribes sanguineum (Red Flowering Currant)
Ribes nigrum ‘Ben Sarek’ (Black Currant)
Ribes rubrum ‘Red Lake’ (Red Currant)
Ribes rubrum ‘Rovada’ (Red Currant)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 7
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Fruits, Shrubs
Plant Family Grossulariaceae
Genus Ribes
Common names Currant, Black Currant
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 4' - 5'
(120cm - 150cm)
Spread 4' - 5'
(120cm - 150cm)
Spacing 48" (120cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Rabbit
Attracts Birds
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Ribes
Not sure which Ribes to pick?
Compare Now

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