Jostaberry

Ribes × nidigrolaria

Jostaberry (pronounced YUST a berry) is a cross between a black currant and 2 coastal black gooseberries. There's a lot to love about jostaberry! They are one of the first bushes to leaf out each spring, and the last to drop their clear yellow leaves in the fall. The fruit is borne in the inside of the bush, hiding it from birds' hungry eyes. The berries are dark purple/black, single, large, with a papery blossom remnant (like a gooseberry). Not as crunchy as a gooseberry, and sweet enough to eat right off the bush. The self fruitful bushes bear early, and can be sited in either sun or shade - in fact, they prefer shady locations in hot weather climates. Graceful and hardy, jostaberry makes a wonderful addition to hedges, shady corners and anywhere you want to tuck in a bit more berry goodness!