Photo of Ribes malvaceum close-up, flower, foliage by Stan Shebs

Photo by Stan Shebs

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Ribes malvaceum

Also Known As

  • Chaparral Currant
  • Pink Chaparral

Plant type

shrub, perennial

size

  • H: 5'-10'
  • W: 5'-10'

planting zones

  • 7a-10b

More Options

Ribes malvaceum plant details

Ribes malvaceum is a broadleaf deciduous perennial shrub with green foliage. In winter pink flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Attracts bees, birds, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, clay, gritty, rocky and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ribes malvaceum

Plant type: perennial shrub
Plant family: grossulariaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 5 FT - 10 FT - wide, 5 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: pink blooms in winter

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ribes malvaceum

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Upright and deciduous, Chaparral Currant is as it says, a chaparral plant; it loves the sun and well-draining soil. The foliage is pungently fragrant, and when it has fallen, the peeling bark is attractive. Pretty pink dangling flower clusters appear in very early spring. Mulch to keep its roots moist, and offer cooling shade to the roots by underplanting. Its blue-black berries are a bird's late season snack.6' T x 5' W Minimum temperature: 0?F
A 5' - 10' deciduous shrub Endemic to California. It likes sun along the coast and cool climates to part shade inland with good drainage. Looks its garden best with mulch, and little extra water in the spring. Adorned with fragrant pink flower clusters October-March followed by edible red fruits. One leaf will add a distinct twist to your peppermint tea! Endemic to California. Hummingbirds pollinate, others birds eat the currants. Roots used for toothaches. Berries eaten fresh. Found in chaparral slopes. Communitites located in Chaparral, Foothill Woodland, Closed-cone Pine Forest Between 0 and 5000 feet.

Gardening facts about Ribes malvaceum plant

How to Grow Ribes malvaceum

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • pink
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • bees
    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
  • Fruit

    • red
  • Flower Season

    • winter
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

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