Blackcurrant vs Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) - TreeTime.ca

Blackcurrant vs Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)

Ribes nigrum

Cotoneaster lucidus

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Blackcurrant
Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)

Blackcurrant is a medium-sized shrub producing delicious, deep purple to black sweet berries suitable for jams, jellies, syrups and cordial.

Our Blackcurrant is grown from seed from the "Ben" series of Blackcurrant cultivars, developed by the Mylnefield Research Station in Scotland with a focus on cold hardiness and heavy commercial fruit production. Our seedlings will be slightly different due to hereditary differences but will be very similar to this series.

The Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) is a dense, deciduous shrub that gets its name from the glossy dark green leaves that turn an eye-catching mix of red and purple in the fall.
It produces small, pink flowers in spring and by late summer they are followed by red berries that ripen to black. This plant is great for attracting wildlife as it is loved by both birds and butterflies.

While the Shiny Cotoneaster does produce berries, they are inedible to humans. This plant takes pruning and shearing well, making it easy to shape to your liking and is a great choice for a hedge or privacy screen in your yard.

Blackcurrant Quick Facts

Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: may cause stomach upset
Foliage: shiny
Fall colour: mix of yellow scarlet, red, purple
Flowers: small, pale pink
Berries: dark purple to black berries
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: european black currant
Other Names: hedge cotoneaster, shiny leaf cotoneaster