Ribes bracteosum
Californian blackcurrant
A deciduous thornless shrub to around 3m high, with palmate, deeply lobed green leaves that have a somewhat unpleasant aroma when crushed. In late spring, produces slender clusters of greenish-yellow flowers to 30cm long, followed by small, round black fruits with a whitish bloom
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Black White | ||
| Autumn | Green Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Grossulariaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Ribes can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes spiny, with simple, usually palmately lobed leaves and small tubular or bell-shaped, solitary or racemose flowers borne in spring or summer, followed by juicy, sometimes edible berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Western N America
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in cooler climates and moist soil; suitable for stream banks, moist woodland and bog gardens
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by hardwood cuttings in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to gall mites, gall midge and aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to a leaf spot, powdery mildews, honey fungus and coral spot
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