Photo of Ribes sanguineum flower by Mulchmaid

Photo by Mulchmaid

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Buy Ribes sanguineum

Also Known As

  • Flowering Currant
  • Pink Flowering Currant
  • Red Flowering Currant
  • Winter Currant

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 5'-12'
  • W: 2'-6'

planting zones

  • 6a-10b

1 gallon | $39

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Ribes sanguineum plant details

Ribes sanguineum is a broadleaf deciduous shrub with green foliage. In spring pink and red flowers emerge followed by black and blue fruit. Attracts bees and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in acidic and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ribes sanguineum

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: grossulariaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 2 FT - 6 FT - wide, 5 FT - 12 FT - tall
Flowers: pink and red blooms in spring
Uses: fall color, native plant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ribes sanguineum

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Soil needs: acidic and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Bright rosy-red flowers in dangling clusters very early in spring make this medium-sized shrub outstanding; blue fruits and yellow fall color follow; the native species, from which so many nice varieties have sprung. S-PSh/M
Red Flowering Currants produce fragrant red blooms at the tips of the new growth in the spring. It is native across the Pacific Northwest into southern California and is often found growing along the coast but also thrives inland in drier climates. It is one of the tallest Currant species and can be found growing up to 15 feet high and 10 feet wide, especially when plants are grown in rich soil. The flowers are very popular with insects and hummingbirds.
Plants are semi-drought tolerant once established but appreciate some occasional irrigation during prolonged dry weather. Red Currants are also one of the few beautiful flowering plants that are very tolerant of growing in compact clay. They will grow in full sun in cooler climates but appreciate some afternoon shade in very hot, windy settings.

Deciduous, upright, multi-stemmed shrub that is among the first to flower in the spring. Pendulous clusters of pink flowers cover the plant and are followed by bunches of bluish-gray fruit. Lobed leaves emerge green in the spring and hold this nice green color until changing to tones of red, brown or gold in the fall before dropping. This Pacific Northwest native can take some drought after establishment.
Tough, exceptional understory plant. Flowers in early spring with daffodils - its pendulous blooms are such a welcome sight after a long dark winter. Flowers nourish the hummingbirds - long having done without, and fruit is relished by the birds.
A deciduous shrub that grows from 5-10 feet tall and wide. Lime colored roundish leaves and long showy pendulums of pink flower clusters that cover the plant during the winter. East to grow in the Bay Area in many garden situations. Drought tolerant in coastal conditions and does well under oaks Flowers February to April. Native to California and is also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America. Fruit used by birds and other animals, good hummingbird plant. No Historical Uses found. Found in moist to dry forests and rock outcrops in the lowland and montane zones. Communitites located in Yellow Pine Forest, Red Fir Forest, Chaparral, Mixed Evergreen Forest, Foothill Woodland, Closed-cone Pine Forest. Between 0 and 7218 feet .
Blooms: spring, pink to rose purple/ deciduous foliage, loved by hummingbirds Zone 5-9. 3'-8', PNW, shade-sun, moist, well drained
Bright Red-pink tassel-flowers spring, blue-black berries. Hummingbird fave, Hardy to USDA Zones 6-8.

Gardening facts about Ribes sanguineum plant

How to Grow Ribes sanguineum

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • well-drained

Features

  • Fruit

    • blue
    • black
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • hummingbirds
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • pink
    • red
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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