Black Velvet Gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa ‘Black Velvet’)

Black Velvet Gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa ‘Black Velvet’) is an interesting hybrid between a gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa) and a worcesterberry (Ribes divaricatum), which is a type of American black gooseberry. This hybridization gives Black Velvet its unique characteristics, combining the larger berry size and tartness of European gooseberries with the richer flavour and dark coloration of the worcesterberry.

The result is a shrub with dark purple to almost black berries that have a sweet-tart flavour profile, a vigorous growth habit, and improved resistance to common gooseberry diseases like powdery mildew. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a productive, disease-resistant, and cold-hardy berry shrub.

Cold Hardiness Zone: 3
Mature Size: 3-5 ft