Photo of Ribes sanguineum 'Elk River Red' flower by Conifer Kingdom

Photo by Conifer Kingdom

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Ribes sanguineum 'Elk River Red'

Also Known As

  • Flowering Currant

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 7'-8'
  • W: 6'-7'

planting zones

  • 6a-10b

More Options

Ribes sanguineum 'Elk River Red' plant details

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

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ribes sanguineum 'Elk River Red'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: grossulariaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 FT - 7 FT - wide, 7 FT - 8 FT - tall
Flowers: pink and red blooms in spring

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ribes sanguineum 'Elk River Red'

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A selected form of our beautiful and adaptable native currant which was found growing on the Elk River near Port Orford Oregon; this 5-10' shrub blooms very early in spring with its wonderfully bright rosy-red flowers that are so loved by hummingbirds; blue-black fruits in summer and lovely golden fall color. S-PSh/M-GDr
This is a good reddish-pink selection blooming earlier than 'King Edward VII' and makes a dandy large shrub 7'-10' high and 6' feet wide. Of course you can prune it! This Flowering Currant was apparently found along the Elk River near Port Orford Oregon about 1970. Full sun is best although it will take light shade with some diminishment of flowers compensated for by a corresponding graceful and more open habit. 'Elk River Red'. Sensible. Tells you the color and where it came from. Isn't it refreshing to have a plant named something reasonable for a change rather than being marketed in a fancy colored pot with splashy labels and bowed down under the weight of trademarks, patents, branding and the need to perform up to the hype let alone being part of the Confection Collection Luscious in the Garden Series and named something gawdawful like Maraschino Madness Flowering Currant? Ok, the Collection, Series and name are fictitious but don't blame us when the marketing department of some plant factory picks this up and runs with it. Cannot ship to DE, MA, ME, NH, RI, WV.
Is probably our best flowering current. This plant came from Oregon back in the ‘50’s. The red flowers are broader than most cultivars and will have white centers deepening to deep red. This plant will grow from 1 foot to an 8 foot stunner in 3 years.

Gardening facts about Ribes sanguineum 'Elk River Red' plant

How to Grow Ribes sanguineum 'Elk River Red'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • pink
    • red
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • birds
    • bees
    • butterflies
    • deer resistant
  • Fruit

    • blue
    • black
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

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