Red-flowering Currant

ribes sanguineum

Also known as: ["Flowering Currant","Western Flowering Currant"]

Family: Grossulariaceae Genus: Ribes Category: Shrubs

Overview

A deciduous shrub native to western North America, known for its early spring clusters of drooping, pink to red flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Grossulariaceae
Genus: Ribes
Botanical Name: Ribes sanguineum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: border plantings, woodland edges, or as a specimen shrub in garden beds
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
  • Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; light pruning can be done as needed.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old wood to rejuvenate.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates more shade in hotter climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun to prevent leaf scorch. In hot regions, provide afternoon shade. Indoors, place near a bright window with indirect light.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering or poor drainage), sparse flowering (insufficient light), or dieback (cold or disease).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; protect from harsh afternoon sun; rotate pots for even growth.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; avoid overwatering, especially in winter; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.

Soil

well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic to neutral soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C). Tolerates cold but may struggle in extreme heat.

Protect from extreme heat; mulch to insulate in cold; adjust watering by season.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilizing; apply before active growth begins.

Propagation

Methods

Softwood cuttings taken in early summer or layering.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Early summer for cuttings; late spring for layering.

Environment

Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), high humidity, and partial shade.

Medium

Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended for faster root development.

Timeline

Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot or ground within a growing season.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use fresh cuttings; maintain humidity; avoid direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Thinning cuts to open the plant; heading back to shape.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage flowering, and remove dead or weak growth. Best done after flowering.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, gloves.

Checklist

Prune after flowering; remove dead/diseased wood; thin crowded branches.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Necessary for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Choose new pot; prepare fresh soil; trim roots if crowded; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; avoid wetting foliage; adjust frequency by season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone. Apply slowly to allow deep penetration, ensuring water reaches the root ball but avoiding runoff. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste and leaf wetness.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure and fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or leaf drop in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in prolonged cold.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf drop, but the plant is generally hardy to USDA zones 5–8.

Solution: Mulch heavily around the base to insulate roots. Protect from harsh winds and avoid overwatering in cold weather.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade, increase watering during heatwaves, and use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas. Reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Ribes sanguineum may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Ribes sanguineum can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Ribes sanguineum are often caused by fungal or bacterial infections, which can reduce photosynthetic efficiency and lead to premature leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Ribes sanguineum due to excessive moisture or fungal pathogens, leading to decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Ribes sanguineum is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known toxic compounds or physiological effects that would cause harm to felines upon ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, ingestion of large quantities of any plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Monitor your pet if they consume any part of the plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Ribes sanguineum is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects or toxic compounds that would cause harm to canines upon ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Although non-toxic, ingestion of large quantities of any plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Monitor your pet if they consume any part of the plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Ribes sanguineum, commonly known as red-flowering currant, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic compounds or physiological effects associated with its consumption.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, it is advisable to avoid consuming any part of the plant as it is not typically used as a food source.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Ribes sanguineum produce edible fruit?

A: Yes, it produces small, edible berries, though they are not commonly consumed.

Q: How much sunlight does this plant require?

A: It thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Q: Is this plant deer-resistant?

A: It is moderately deer-resistant, though deer may browse on it if other food sources are scarce.

Quick Reference
Family: Grossulariaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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