Bar-Le-Duc Currant Berry Plant
Best heirloom shrub for gardeners seeking unique, cold-hardy container fruit.
Experience the Bar-Le-Duc Currant, a rare French heirloom dating back to the medieval era, celebrated for its delicate, sweet white berries. This self-fertile shrub produces translucent fruit with a caviar-like sensation, perfect for fresh eating. Growing 3-6 feet tall, it's ideal for container gardening and thrives in USDA Zones 3-8. The plant flowers in early spring, with berries ripening mid to late summer. Shipped bareroot and dormant, it's ready for planting to bring unique flavor to your garden.
$24.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
857
/ 2596
#857 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-37%
Below average
Mature Height
6.0
/ feet
Who it's for
- Gardeners wanting low-maintenance, long-term fruit production
- Home cooks seeking beautiful, easy-to-harvest fruit displays
- Culinary enthusiasts crafting high-end preserves and sauces
Who should skip it
- Impatient growers expecting an immediate, full-scale harvest
- Novice gardeners intimidated by annual maintenance tasks
- Residents living in regions with white pine blister rust restrictions
Performance breakdown
Climate Versatility
Exceptional cold hardiness makes this variety reliable across most northern regions.
Container Suitability
Compact growth habit makes it a perfect candidate for patio gardening.
Culinary Uniqueness
Rare heirloom status offers a sophisticated flavor profile for gourmet gardeners.
Ease of Cultivation
Self-fertile nature removes the complexity of needing multiple plants for fruit.
Pest Resilience
Natural deer resistance reduces the need for constant garden maintenance.
Harvest Accessibility
Upright form allows for easy picking of delicate, translucent berries.
Key Specs
Mature Height
6.0 feet
Mature Spread
4.0 feet
Bloom Season
Spring, Summer
Plant Type
Evergreen Shrub
Watering Needs
Moderate
Soil Type Preference
Well-Drained, Acidic
Fragrant Flowers
False
Deer Resistant
True
Features
- Rare French heirloom variety
- Sweet, translucent white berries
- Caviar-like texture when fresh
- Self-fertile, no pollinator needed
- Highly cold-hardy for extended climates
- Excellent for container growing
- Deer resistant and pest tolerant
- Unique flavor profile
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Bar Le Duc plants upon arrival. Reviewers frequently note the robust root systems and healthy foliage, indicating careful handling by Territorial Seed Company. The primary theme is reliability; gardeners report successful establishment and vigorous growth, leading to anticipated yields of the highly desired white currants. While the initial size sometimes surprises new buyers, the overall consensus confirms this variety is a worthwhile investment for serious fruit growers seeking dependable performance and true varietal characteristics.
Know before you buy
No, this variety is self-fertile, meaning it does not require a second plant for cross-pollination to produce fruit.
Yes, the Bar-Le-Duc is well-suited for container gardening. Ensure your pot has good drainage and is large enough to accommodate its mature size of up to 6 feet.
This plant thrives in well-drained, acidic soil. If your garden soil is heavy or alkaline, consider amending it with organic matter or planting in a raised bed or container.
The Bar-Le-Duc typically begins bearing fruit at two years of age. You can expect the translucent white berries to ripen between mid-summer and early fall.
This heirloom is highly cold-hardy and is suitable for USDA Zones 3 through 8, making it a reliable choice for gardeners in a wide range of climates.
It is versatile and can be planted in either full sun or partial shade. In hotter climates, providing some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from heat stress.
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$25