Ribes bracteosum

RHS Plant Profile
stink currant

Other common names

Californian blackcurrant

Shrubs

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

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Grossulariaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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