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Consort Black Currant Bush
Consort Black Currant Bush
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Ribes nigrum ‘Consort’
Consort Currant Bush
The Consort Currant Bush is a vigorous, disease-resistant black currant variety known for its fragrant blooms, glossy fruit, and compact habit. Developed in response to white pine blister rust concerns, this cultivar is immune to the disease and a safe choice for areas where other currants may be restricted.
Perfect for edible gardens, fruiting hedges, and native borders, Consort produces clusters of tart, dark berries that are high in antioxidants and perfect for jams, syrups, wines, and wildlife support.
Consort Currant Bush Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Ribes nigrum ‘Consort’ |
| 🏷️ Common Names | Consort Currant, Black Currant |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 4–6 feet |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 3–5 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Moderate (1–2 feet per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 10–20 years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 3–8 |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun to partial shade (best fruiting in full sun) |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Rich, well-drained loam or sandy soils |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0) |
| 💧 Water Needs | Moderate; prefers consistently moist soil |
| 🫐 Fruit Type | Tart, deep purple-black berries; ripen mid to late summer |
| 🌸 Flower Color | Small greenish-white to yellow flowers in spring |
| 🐝 Pollination | Self-pollinating; attracts bees and native pollinators |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Upright, clumping multi-stemmed shrub |
| ↔️ Spacing | 3–5 ft apart for rows or hedges |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Edible gardens, wildlife borders, compact orchard rows |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Low to moderate |
Environmental Benefits
🌸 Provides spring nectar for bees and pollinators
🫐 Produces high-antioxidant fruit for people and birds
🌿 Naturalizes well in native or permaculture landscapes
🧬 Disease-resistant; safe for planting near white pines
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 🫐 Tart, flavorful berries excellent for preserves | 🌱 Tartness may be too strong for raw snacking for some tastes |
| 🧬 Resistant to white pine blister rust | ❄️ Requires winter chill for strong fruit production |
| 🐝 Pollinator-friendly and self-fertile | ✂️ Pruning needed to maintain productivity over time |
| 🌿 Compact size perfect for small gardens and rows | 💧 Needs consistent moisture to prevent fruit drop |
| 🍷 Excellent for wine, syrup, and culinary use | 🐦 Berries may be eaten by birds before harvest without netting |
Planting & Care Guide
🛁 Water deeply after planting and maintain consistent moisture
🕳️ Dig a hole twice as wide as the root zone; plant at original soil depth
🌾 Mulch 2–3 inches around base to regulate soil temperature and moisture
💦 Water weekly during fruiting season, especially in dry spells
✂️ Prune in late winter to remove older stems and encourage new growth
🧪 Fertilize annually with compost or a balanced berry shrub formula
The Consort Currant Bush is a compact and productive powerhouse, offering nutrient-dense fruit, easy care, and ecological value all in one. Whether you’re building a food forest, preserving old-world flavors, or planting for pollinators, this currant delivers resilience, richness, and reward.
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