Jostaberry
Ribes x culverwellii
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Pl. F2C8 — Ribes x culverwellii
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IOverview
Overview
The Jostaberry (Ribes x culverwellii) is a hybrid plant originating from central and eastern Europe, specifically in countries like Albania, Austria, the Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, and Denmark. This shrub, which grows to about 3-6 feet tall, combines the best traits of black currants and gooseberries, producing small, black berries similar in size and shape to those of its currant parent. Native to a wide range of climates, it thrives in moist, light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 7.5 and 8, making it adaptable but preferring slightly alkaline conditions. The plant is both edible and ornamental, known for its fruit that can be enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary applications. Its distinctive feature lies in its hybrid nature, offering the benefits of both black currants and gooseberries in one shrub.
Quick answers
What is Jostaberry?
The Jostaberry (Ribes x culverwellii) is a hybrid plant originating from central and eastern Europe, specifically in countries like Albania, Austria, the Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, and Denmark.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Jostaberry is a hardy shrub that thrives in temperate regions with zones 5-9. It prefers light to medium soil and can tolerate heavier clay soils but not excessively dry conditions. The plant requires moist soil and benefits from regular watering. For optimal growth, it should be planted in full sun to partial shade. Propagation can be done through seed or cuttings. With a height of about 1.8 meters and a width of 2 meters, the Jostaberry is well-suited for garden beds or hedgerows. Its fruit, similar in size and shape to black currants, are small but edible.
Light
6/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
1.8 m × 2 m
Soil pH
7.5–8
- Propagation
- Seed, Cuttings
For first-time growers
How to grow Jostaberry for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance shrub that will thrive in your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Jostaberry plants or seeds, gardening gloves, trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist and cool.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with well-draining soil that's slightly alkaline (pH 7.5–8).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants in the spring, or sow seeds indoors about 10 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Prune annually after fruiting to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Fertilize in early spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Wait until late summer to harvest the small, black berries. Prune in late winter before new growth starts.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, not providing enough space for root growth, neglecting winter protection.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Raw, Cooked, Jam
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
29 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
29 native · 1 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 29 native· 1 introduced
Europe22 regions
native (21)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNorwayPolandRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
introduced (1)Russia
Asia2 regions
native (2)IranTurkey
Africa1 region
native (1)Morocco
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, Transcaucasus, Yugoslavia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · f2c8e57c-a32d-41d2-8b38-b993e2560b5f
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