Ribes viburnifolium
An evergreen shrub with long, slender, arching reddish stems, and broadly oval, glossy deep green leaves that are aromatic when crushed. Clusters of small reddish-pink flowers are produced in early spring, and followed by round red berries that are popular with birds
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Red | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Grossulariaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Tolerates a range of soils. Useful ground cover for light shade in warmer regions
Propagation
Propagate by seed, by semi-ripe cuttings or by layering; stems will sometimes root naturally as they spread
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Ground cover
Pruning
No pruning required, though can be trimmed to create a bushier shape and will tolerate renovative pruning if necessary
Pests
May be susceptible to gall mites, gall midges and aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to a leaf spot, powdery mildews, coral spot and sometimes honey fungus
Get involved
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