Black Consort Currant Plant
Description
Black Consort Currant is a compact, productive fruiting shrub that delivers one of the most nutrient-dense harvests in the home garden. Medium-sized black currants ripen in clusters each June and July, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants — qualities that have made black currants a valued superfood and kitchen staple across Europe for centuries. Cold hardy, disease resistant, self-pollinating, and adaptable to partial shade, it’s one of the most versatile and low-maintenance berry plants you can grow. (Ribes nigrum ‘Consort’)
Exceptionally Rich Flavor for Jams, Juice, and More
Black currants have a bold, distinctive flavor — deeply sweet with a tangy edge and earthy complexity that sets them apart from red or white currants. That intensity makes them outstanding for jams and preserves, juicing, wine, and fruit liqueurs where their rich flavor carries through beautifully. The crisp, firm texture also makes them enjoyable eaten fresh, especially at peak ripeness when the sweetness is most pronounced.
Immune to White Pine Blister Rust
One of Consort’s most important qualities is its natural immunity to white pine blister rust — a fungal disease that affects many currant varieties and is regulated in some states. That immunity removes a significant barrier to growing black currants in many regions, making Consort one of the most widely plantable black currant varieties available. Cold hardy to Zone 4 and a reliable performer across Zones 4–8, it’s built for a wide range of climates.
A Beautiful and Productive Landscape Shrub
Beyond the fruit, Black Consort Currant earns its place in the landscape. The upright, compact habit works beautifully as a fruiting hedge, an edible border planting, or a standalone specimen in small garden spaces. The handsome foliage provides structure through the growing season, and the pendulous fruit clusters in summer are genuinely attractive.
Why Growers Love Black Consort Currant
- Immune to white pine blister rust — widely plantable where other currants are restricted
- Exceptionally nutrient-dense — one of the highest vitamin C and antioxidant contents of any fruit
- Rich, complex flavor — outstanding for jams, juice, wine, liqueurs, and fresh eating
- Cold hardy to Zone 4 — reliable in challenging northern climates
- Tolerates partial shade — productive even without full sun
- Self-pollinating — fruit with just one plant
Survival Guaranteed!
Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has promised to provide customers with the very best fruit trees and plants. It’s just that simple. If your trees or plants do not survive, please let us know within one year of delivery. We will send you a free one-time replacement, with a nominal shipping fee of $9.99. If the item in question is not available, we can issue a one-time credit to your account equaling the original product purchase price or issue you a refund. Read more about our warranty policy.
Characteristics
| Bloom Color | White |
| Chill Hours | 800 |
| Fruit Color | Black |
| Fruit Size | Medium |
| Hardiness Zone Range | 4 - 8 |
| Pollination | Self-Pollinating |
| Ripens/Harvest | June/july |
| Shade/Sun | Partial Shade - Full Sun |
| Soil Composition | Loamy |
| Soil Moisture | Well Drained - Average Moistness |
| Soil pH Level | 6.2 - 6.5 |
| Taste | Sweet |
| Texture | Crisp, Firm |
| Years to Bear | 2 - 3 |