Consort Currant
Back in Stock Fall 2026
This variety is currently out of stock. We'll be restocking for the Fall 2026 shipping season.
Browse currently available varieties →The Consort Black Currant (Ribes nigrum 'Consort') is one of the most significant varieties in North American horticulture. It was specifically bred by Agriculture Canada in the 1950s to solve a major legal and environmental problem: White Pine Blister Rust (WPBR). Because traditional black currants act as a host for this disease (which kills white pine trees), they were banned in many states for decades. 'Consort' was the first widely available variety with total immunity to WPBR, helping to bring black currant cultivation back to home gardens.
Plant Details
Quick Facts
- Botanical
- Ribes nigrum
- Type
- Black currant
- Fruit Color
- Glossy black
- Fruit Taste
- Strong, tart, musky (cooking favorite)
- Thorns
- Thornless
Growing Conditions
- USDA Zones
- 3-7
- Sun Needs
- Full sun to part shade
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.0
- Spacing
- 4-5 ft
- Mature Height
- 3-5 ft
Pollination & Care
- Self-Fertile
- Yes
- Pollination
- Bred to be self-fertile.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Data Confidence
- High
Harvest
- Season
- July
Growing Zones: 3–7
Hardy down to zone 3 (-40 to -30°F)
Match the shaded zones above to find your growing region. Source: USDA 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
How we ship
Most orders go out via UPS with a 2-3 day transit time to most of the continental U.S. Plants are shipped dormant in late winter / early spring, packed wet to protect the root systems, and bundled by variety so they're ready to plant on arrival.
Hawaii & Alaska orders
For HI and AK addresses we ship via USPS. The other major carriers either don't service these areas for live plants or charge prohibitive rates that would more than double the cost of your order. USPS gives us a reliable, affordable path to get plants to you in good condition.
Want UPS or FedEx anyway?
If you're in HI or AK and want to use UPS or FedEx and cover the upgraded shipping cost, reach out to us immediately after placing your order with your order number. We'll send you the available options and a quote, and you can pick what works for you.
Region overview
Continental U.S.
UPS Ground, 2-3 day transit. Free shipping on orders $100+.
Hawaii & Alaska
USPS Priority Mail. Reach out post-order if you want a UPS/FedEx upgrade quote.
Arrive-alive guarantee
Every order is backed by our 30-day arrive-alive guarantee. If a plant doesn't make it through transit, we'll replace it. Just send us a photo within 30 days of delivery.
Questions?
Call or text us at (720) 630-3715, or email support@fruitbushes.com. We answer within one business day.
