Redcurrant Mactor - Georges Delbard

Redcurrant 'Mactor' Agate Rouge is a late variety that provdes good yields. This self-fertile variety produces long clusters that are easy to pick. The light red, firm and slightly acidic berries are slightly larger than those of traditional currant bushes. It is easy to grow in non-scorching sunlight, in well-drained, even poor soil. It reaches up to 1.2m (4ft) tall. Plant from October to March for a harvest from mid-July to mid-August.

Ribes rubrum belongs to the Grossulariaceae family, like gooseberries. It has been cultivated for a long time, and grows spontaneously in many temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, from Europe to Siberia, to Manchuria. It is a bushy, non-thorny shrub with a clump-like habit of slightly stiff, sparsely branched stems, with soft wood and abundant pith. This very hardy bush reaches a height of 1.2m (4ft) with a spread of about 80cm (32in). The medium green foliage is deciduous, composed of palmate, lobed and aromatic leaves.

Flowering occurs in spring, in the form of clusters of small, inconspicuous greenish to brownish flowers that are popular with bees. Fruiting occurs mainly on one- and two-year-old branches. The bush is then covered with numerous clusters of small round and translucent berries, containing small seeds. Harvesting takes place as the fruits ripen. 'Mactor' produces long clusters of red fruits, which can be harvested from mid-July to mid-August. The firm currants have a red, fragrant and slightly acidic flesh. They are low in calories, but rich in minerals, trace elements, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. They are also a good source of vitamin C and fibre.

Use fresh currants in jelly or pastry for pie fillings or sorbets. In the garden, this bush takes on its full charm when it is laden with its long sanguine clusters shining in the summer light. The pleasure visual and gustatory, as well as olfactory when its warm foliage perfumes the garden. It pairs well with white currant varieties and gooseberries, as well as shrubs that offer beautiful fruiting (not edible), such as Leycesteria formosa, beautyberries, Nandina domestica and its varieties, Japanese quinces, small-leaved cotoneaster, St. John's wort 'Magical Beauty', and symphorines. For small gardens or to save space, train it against a wall or prune it into a standard. Note that the currant bush can also be grown in large pots, with a depth of at least 40cm (16in), while being careful not to water it with too hard water.