Ribes sanguineum 'Claremont'

Deciduous shrub 4-12' high with maple-like leaves to 3" wide. Dense clusters of two-toned pink flowers, aging to red, appear January through March. Dull blue berries form later. Edible if one is desperate, as the taste is less than desirable. Full sun in coastal climates, partial shade inland, drought tolerant, but needs some water away from the coast. We find most sanguineum cultivars are better garden subjects with occasional summer water. Hardy to below 5F. Garden origin.

Ribes sanguineum v. glutinosum 'Claremont' was introduced by Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in CA where they have an incredible native plant evaluation program. This Flowering Currant was selected for its extral long drooping pink racemes of flowers and good heat tolerance.

Also known as "Winter Currant", this CA native shrub brightens the garden on a rainy Winter day. Blooming February-April, the extra large, 4" drooping clusters of pink flowers are an early food source for hummingbirds & bees. The berries are black with a whitish bloom & are enjoyed by birds. The leaves exude a delightful resinous scent & are not attractive to deer. Naturally found in woodlands areas, it makes itself at home in light-moderate shade (essential for inland gardeners), full or morning sun OK on the coast. The shrub grows in a natural vase shape & can become 6-8’ tall & wide, but can be pruned hard after flowering. Little or no irrigation is necessary, thus great under oaks. Pair with other woodland plants like Heuchera, Tellima & Aquilegia.

Claremont has clear shell pink racemes in early spring on upright shrub up to 6 feet tall and wide.