Blackcurrant Ben Rua
Notify MeBlackcurrant Ben Rua is a compact, early-ripening variety bred in Scotland for its rich flavour and heavy yields. It produces small to medium-sized berries with an intense, tangy-sweet taste, ideal for fresh eating, jams, juices, and baking. The plant has good disease resistance and is well-suited to cooler climates.
A valuable addition to edible, cottage, and kitchen gardens, it’s perfect for borders, fruit cages, or small orchard settings.
Thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers fertile, moisture-retentive, well-draining soil. Mulch annually and prune in winter to maintain productivity. Space plants 1.2–1.5 metres apart.
Mature size reaches approximately 1–1.2 metres tall and wide, forming a neat, rounded bush.
Trimming: Prune during winter while the plant is dormant. Remove old wood (3 years and older) at the base to encourage new, productive growth. Aim to retain a framework of strong one- and two-year-old stems, as these produce the best fruit.
Deadheading: Not applicable.
Fertilising: In early spring, apply a balanced fertiliser or well-rotted compost around the base to support strong growth and fruiting. A high-potassium feed (such as tomato fertiliser) can be used from flowering onwards to enhance fruit production.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, particularly during flowering and fruiting, as dry conditions can reduce yield. Mulch annually in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pest Control: Watch for aphids and big bud mite (buds appear swollen and fail to open). Aphids can be managed with insecticidal soap; for big bud mite, remove affected buds and consider replacing older bushes if infestation is severe.
Disease Management: Susceptible to mildew and leaf spot in damp conditions. Ensure good airflow by appropriate spacing and pruning. Remove and dispose of any infected leaves. Ribes bushes can also carry reversion virus—watch for reduced vigour and poor fruiting; remove affected plants if diagnosed.
Enjoy complimentary delivery anywhere in mainland New Zealand when you purchase plants worth $250 or more*.
For orders below $250, the following flat-rate delivery charges are applicable:
- Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
- Rural delivery within mainland New Zealand: $39.95
- Waiheke, Chatham and Great Barrier Islands: Please contact us for shipping options.
We aim to have all orders shipped within 14 days from the order date, unless a different shipping date is specified alongside a product.
