Description
Ribes nigrum ‘Ben Nevis’ is a deciduous shrub that produces clusters of small, black berries that are high in vitamin C. The plant grows to a height and spread of around 1.5m, and has a compact habit. The fruit is ripe for picking in mid to late summer, and is ideal for making jams, jellies, and desserts. ‘Ben Nevis’ is a popular variety of blackcurrant that is known for its disease resistance and high yield. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. This shrub looks great when planted in groups, or as a hedge alongside other fruit-bearing shrubs such as raspberries or gooseberries.
Key Facts
- Common Name(s):Ben Nevis Blackcurrant Bush
- Hardiness:Fully hardy through most of the UK
- How big will I get? Ribes nigrum ‘Ben Nevis’ can grow to a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1.5m.
- Did You Know That:Blackcurrants are a rich source of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which give the fruit its dark color and are known to have anti-inflammatory properties?
Plant Calendar
A rough guide to how this plant will change through the year.
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Care Guide
Soil Requirements
Ribes nigrum ‘Ben Nevis’ prefers moist but well-draining soil. This plant prefers a neutral pH in soil and may not thrive in acidic or alkaline soil conditions.
Best Position
Ribes nigrum ‘Ben Nevis’ prefers a sheltered position and requires full sun to thrive, this consists of more than six hours of direct sunshine per day.
Maintenance
Ribes nigrum ‘Ben Nevis’ should be pruned regularly, it is an essential part of maintaining the health and shape of blackcurrant bushes. The best time to prune blackcurrant bushes is in late winter or early spring, before new growth starts. The general guidelines for pruning includes: removing any dead, diseased, or damaged wood; removing branches that are growing out of the base of the plant; thinning out the interior of the bush to promote good air circulation and sunlight penetration; cutting back wood older than 3-4 years, as it does not produce as many fruits as new wood; cut back the tips of the remaining branches to the desired height and shape, which will encourage side shoots. Additionally, it’s important to remove some of the fruit clusters in the first 2 years after planting and to sterilize pruning tools before and after use to prevent the spread of disease.
Pest, Diseases and Wildlife
Ribes nigrum ‘Ben Nevis’ can have problems with aphids and gall mites, and it tends not to have problems with diseases. It is also known to attract bees. It is not considered to be toxic.
