Ribes sanguineum

Red Flowering Currant, Flowering Currant

These deciduous and evergreen shrubs are grown for their flowers, foliage or edible fruit, which attracts birds. Spineless types are called currants, the others are called gooseberries. Ribes are host to a destructive rust that attacks 5-needled pines, so several states forbid them. Before you plant Ribes, check with state authorities to see if they have been outlawed. Start from seed or cuttings. Give shade and some supplemental water when planted away from the coast.

The hanging rosy-red spring flowers yield edible bluish-black berries. Rapid spring growth with sufficient moisture. Prune to shape and control growth. Keep dry in late fall to promote dormancy.

Attributes - Ribes sanguineum

Plant Type: Shrub

Bloom Season: Mid Spring through Late Spring

Flower Color: Pink, Red

Foliage: Deciduous

Height: 8 ft. to 12 ft.

Width: 12 ft.

Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Sun

Climate: Zones 5, 6, 7, 8

Notes: Thrives in Acid Soil. Fragrant. Susceptible to Rust.

Related Plants

Ribes speciosum

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