Contents
Description
Ribes Nigrum Ben Lomond, commonly known as Blackcurrant Ben Lomond, is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 5 feet tall and wide. Native to Europe and Asia, this plant is widely grown for its edible fruit and ornamental value. It produces clusters of small, fragrant, greenish-yellow flowers in spring, followed by black, juicy berries in summer. The leaves are dark green and lobed, with a slightly hairy texture.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Grossulariaceae |
| Genus | Ribes |
Appearance
The Blackcurrant Ben Lomond has a bushy, spreading habit and can grow up to 5 feet tall and wide. It has dark green, lobed leaves that are slightly hairy to the touch. In spring, it produces clusters of small, fragrant, greenish-yellow flowers that give way to black, juicy berries in summer. The berries are about the size of a pea and have a tart, tangy flavor. The plant has a moderate growth rate and can live up to 20 years.
Care Guide
The Blackcurrant Ben Lomond prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It needs regular watering, especially during dry spells, and benefits from a layer of mulch to help retain moisture. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer, and again in late summer with a potassium-rich fertilizer. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears, removing any dead or diseased wood and thinning out crowded branches. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 3-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Blackcurrant Ben Lomond is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. To prevent these problems, keep the plant well-watered and fertilized, and prune regularly to promote good air circulation. If pests or diseases do occur, treat with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide.
Habitat
The Blackcurrant Ben Lomond is native to Europe and Asia and is widely grown in temperate regions around the world. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can grow in full sun to partial shade. In the wild, it can be found in woodlands, hedgerows, and along riverbanks.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I grow Blackcurrant Ben Lomond in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow Blackcurrant Ben Lomond in a container, but it will need a large pot to accommodate its size and a well-draining soil mix.
Q: When is the best time to prune Blackcurrant Ben Lomond?
A: The best time to prune Blackcurrant Ben Lomond is in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Q: How do I know when the berries are ripe?
A: The berries will turn black and become slightly soft when they are ripe. They will also have a strong, sweet fragrance.
Q: Can I propagate Blackcurrant Ben Lomond from cuttings?
A: Yes, you can propagate Blackcurrant Ben Lomond from softwood cuttings taken in early summer or hardwood cuttings taken in late winter.
Related Plants
- Ribes Aureum
- Ribes Cereum
- Ribes Hirtellum
- Ribes Uva-Crispa
References
- “Ribes Nigrum ‘Ben Lomond’.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=n590.
- “Blackcurrant Ben Lomond.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed September 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/13711/Ribes-nigrum-Ben-Lomond/Details.
- “Ribes Nigrum.” Plants for a Future. Accessed September 2021. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Ribes+nigrum.
