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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30 at Forestfarm

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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

Ribes sanguineum is known as the red flowering currant. It is a beautiful upright, deciduous shrub with maple- or grape-like lobed leaves that emerge at the same time or just after the arching to pendulous racemes of small pink to near red flowers in early spring. A critical BC native for hummingbirds, the northward spring migration of the rufous hummingbird follows the bloom of this currant as well as our native salmonberry, Rubus spectabilis. Butterflies also visit the flowers for nectar and to lay their eggs. Red flowering currant is a larval host for many butterfly and moth species. The purple fruit are edible but not that tasty though they are enjoyed by birds. Tolerant of shade and dry soils. Deer resistant.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

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

By: Forestfarm

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.

By: Red Panda Nursery

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.

By: Garden World

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.

By: Heritage Seedlings

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 .