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Why we like this plant
Looking for a fruit bush that doesn’t fuss? Ben Connan blackcurrant delivers top-notch berries early in the season with minimal effort. It’s perfect for smaller gardens or pots and resists disease like a champ. Great taste, easy care, and a generous harvest — what’s not to love?
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About this plant
A reliable and compact blackcurrant variety, Ben Connan is a favourite among gardeners for its early cropping and high yields of glossy, rich-flavoured berries. It’s resistant to mildew and frost, making it ideal for UK gardens. The shrub also puts on a charming spring display with pale green flowers, followed by heavy clusters of blackcurrants that are perfect for jams, pies, or fresh eating.
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Key features
- Early cropping
- Heavy yields
- Compact habit
- Disease resistant
- Great for culinary use
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Eventual height and
spreadHeight: 100–125cm | Spread: 100–125cm
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Growth
habitCompact and upright with strong, sturdy stems
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Moisture
Moist but well-drained
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Position in
the GardenSunny, sheltered spot in a fruit or kitchen garden
Planting guide
Plant in late autumn or early spring. Space about 1.5m apart in rows. Ensure good air circulation to reduce disease. Water well after planting and during dry spells.
Care tips
Feed with a potassium-rich fertiliser in spring. Prune out one-third of old stems each winter to maintain productivity.
Winter care
Prune in winter to remove old wood and encourage new growth. Mulch around the base to protect roots and retain moisture.