Currant 'Consort' (Black)

Black Currant ‘Consort’ (Ribes nigrum ‘Consort’) is a vigorous, disease‐resistant cultivar prized for its abundant clusters of large, sweet black berries. Ideal for jams, jellies, juices or fresh eating, it bears fruit in mid‐summer on arching stems framed by glossy green foliage that turns fiery red in autumn. Thriving in full sun to part shade in fertile, moisture‐retentive, well‐drained soil, it reaches 1.2–1.5 m (4–5 ft) tall with a similar spread. Hardy in Canadian zones 3–7, it’s low‐maintenance once established and resistant to common currant pests and diseases.

Key Features
• Botanical name: Ribes nigrum ‘Consort’
• Common name: Black Currant ‘Consort’
• Hardiness zones: Canada Zone 3–7
• Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Fertile, moisture‐retentive, well‐drained; pH 6.0–6.5
• Height: 1.2–1.5 m (4–5 ft)
• Width: 1.2–1.5 m (4–5 ft)
• Foliage: Glossy green leaves turning red in autumn
• Flower colour: Insignificant green catkins in spring
• Fruit: Large, sweet black berries in mid‐summer (July)
• Maintenance: Moderate; prune in late winter to renew fruiting wood and improve airflow
• Advantages: High‐yielding and self‐fertile; disease‐resistant; versatile culinary uses; cold‐hardy