Ribes sanguineum
Flowering currant
Common names: Red-flowering currant
At a glance
- Light
- Partial shade
- Hardiness
- Hardy
- Pruning
- Jun–Jul
- Flowering
- Apr–May
Photo: Walter Siegmund (talk) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
Description
The Red-flowering currant, botanically Ribes sanguineum, is a summer‑green ornamental shrub native to North America. It is a pure flowering form derived from the common currant. In April, often from week 14, it displays dense drooping clusters of carmine‑red to pink flowers, becoming one of the first major nectar sources in the garden season. Wild bees and bumblebees visit it in abundance when little else blooms. The dark, unremarkable berries that appear in summer are not tasty to humans, are not poisonous, and are usually taken by birds. As a solitary plant, in a free‑growing hedge, or at the garden edge, it provides a strong spring accent.
Care instructions
Plant the Red‑flowering currant in autumn or early spring in a semi‑shaded to sunny spot with well‑drained, moderately fertile soil. Water regularly during the first one to two years; thereafter it copes well with normal rainfall. Prune immediately after flowering, about the end of April to mid‑May (weeks 18‑20), and remove older shoots close to the ground every three to four years to keep the shrub dense and flowering. A mulch layer of leaf or bark humus retains moisture in summer and suppresses weeds. Ensure a well‑ventilated stand to prevent powdery mildew on the leaves.
The care notes were machine-translated from German.
Garden year
FloweringApr–May
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
moist, humus-rich, nutrient-rich, well-drained
The flowering currant likes humus-rich, well-moistened soil with an even supply of nutrients. It tolerates waterlogging poorly, so the subsoil should stay free-draining. A spot in sun to partial shade with loose garden soil suits it best. Loosen heavy, compacted soils with mature compost before planting.
Feeding
Medium feeder
Months
Mar, May
In early spring the flowering currant appreciates a dose of mature compost, worked shallowly into the root zone. A second, light dose of compost in May additionally supports new growth. A mulch layer of leaves or bark humus keeps the moisture in the soil and supplies nutrients on the side. Since it is grown purely as an ornamental, this moderate supply is entirely sufficient.
Pruning
Prune the flowering currant straight after flowering; it then forgives the intervention best and forms new flower buds for the coming year. Remove old, bare shoots close to the ground and thin out the inside of the crown lightly so that light and air get through. Cutting back every few years keeps the shrub compact and free-flowering.
Overwintering
The flowering currant is hardy in Central Europe and needs no special protection. Young plants in their first year in place benefit from a layer of mulch over the root zone, which buffers frost. When grown in a container, place the pot frost-free against a house wall and protect it from freezing through. From the second year outdoors it copes well without winter protection.
Propagation
Methods
- Cuttings
- Layering
The easiest way to propagate the flowering currant is from hardwood cuttings, which you take in late autumn or winter and insert directly outdoors or into seed compost. Alternatively, in spring, layer a shoot close to the ground and weigh it down with soil so that it forms its own roots before you separate it from the mother plant. Both methods reliably produce strong young plants. Patience pays off; it usually takes one to two years until the first flowering.
For your garden
Grow Flowering currant yourself
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