Key features
AwardsRHS Award of Garden Merit
Final size1.5×1.5 metres in 20 years
FruitDual purpose (eating & cooking)
Pollination groupSelf Fertile
Cropping periodEarly/mid season (Early July)
Description
A frost tolerant blackcurrant bush, Ben Connan produces exceptionally large blackcurrants on short trusses. Heavy crops are ready to pick from early July and delicious in puddings, jams and cordials. Ben Connan blackcurrants have an excellent sharp flavour and are rich in vitamin C.
This award winning fruit bush has good resistance against frost, pests and disease. The bush itself has a compact habit and will grow to 1.5 x 1.5 metres.
Ribes nigrum ‘Ben Connan’ originates from Scotland.
Planting Steps
1Preparation
- Pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots need to be planted between November and March.
- Clear weeds and grass within a metre of the planting hole.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide.
- To help your plant establish more effectively, sprinkle Rootgrow in the hole.
2Planting
- Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole.
- Ensure the top of the plant’s compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the graft union or collar of the tree is above ground level.
- Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost.
- Fill in the hole, firming the soil gently.
3Last Steps
- Water generously around the base of the plant.
- If you are planting either a single stem tree or mature standard tree, we recommend adding a staking kit and rabbit guard.
Aftercare Advice
Trees and shrubs require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.
For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.
