Black Goji Berry ‘Big Black’ (Lycium ruthenicum)

1 well-established plant in a 9cm pot, sent in plastic-free packaging. A fascinating, incredibly hardy deciduous shrub, prized for its extreme resilience and anthocyanin-rich fruits.

Deciduous Shrub | 100/150cm tall | Full sun | Highly nutritious black berries | Extreme drought tolerance

‘Big Black’ is a selected, large-fruited cultivar of the wild Black Goji, a thorny, scrambling shrub native to the harsh, arid steppes of Central Asia. Unlike the common red goji (Lycium barbarum), this species produces deep purple-black berries. In the culinary and wellness worlds, it is highly sought after for its exceptional phytochemical profile. The fruits are loaded with natural antioxidants.  Important Health Warning: While the ripe berries are celebrated for their health benefits, Lycium species are medically documented to interact with certain medications, particularly blood thinners (such as Warfarin) and blood pressure drugs. Individuals on these medications should consult a medical professional before consuming goji berries. Additionally, as a member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), only the fully ripe fruits should be consumed.

The black goji is a remarkably functional halophyte (salt-tolerant plant). In its native range, agronomic science heavily utilises its deep, aggressive root system to stabilise loose soils and combat desertification. In a garden ecosystem, the shrub produces small, tubular, purplish-white flowers in the summer. These blooms provide a useful nectar and pollen resource for foraging solitary bees and hoverflies in dry environments. The arching branches are heavily armed with sharp thorns; when grown as a dense thicket or informal hedge, this architecture provides exceptional, highly secure nesting and sheltering habitat for small garden birds, naturally protecting them from larger predators and domestic cats.

In a UK garden, this plant requires understanding its native arid environment. Holding an RHS H6 hardiness rating, it is virtually impervious to extreme cold and will easily survive temperatures down to -20°C. However, its primary vulnerability in the UK is winter wet. It needs highly free-draining soil, incorporating horticultural sand or grit into the planting hole is highly recommended and will quickly succumb to root rot if left sitting in cold, waterlogged clay. It requires a position in full sun to ripen its fruit. The plant naturally develops a sprawling, untidy habit; pruning it hard in late winter or early spring helps maintain a manageable shape and encourages the vigorous new growth that will carry the summer’s fruit.

Delivery Information

All plants are carefully packed and sent in plastic-free packaging to protect both the plant and the environment. Plants are dispatched promptly so they arrive fresh, healthy, and ready to plant.

We ship orders using a tracked 24-hour delivery service, helping to minimise time in transit and reduce stress on the plant. Orders are packed by hand at the nursery, and we aim to dispatch early in the week to avoid delays over weekends.

If you have any questions about delivery timing or combining orders, please get in touch before ordering and we will be happy to help.

To find out more about other plants for your garden visit – https://dyfiplants.substack.com