Ribes rubrum
common redcurrant
An upright shrub to 2m with lobed leaves and hanging sprays of small, green flowers in spring. These are followed in summer by edible, redcurrant berries in long, hanging clusters
Size
Growing conditions
Colour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
Aspect
Exposure
Botanical details
- Family
- Grossulariaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Potentially harmful
- 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
- W Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Will grow in any reasonable garden soil, and benefits from mulching with well-rotted compost, manure or bark particularly on dry soils. See redcurrant cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by hardwood cuttings in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pruning
May be pruned to create a permanent framework as a bush, standard, cordon or fan. Main pruning in dormant season; also summer pruning of vigorous side shoots
Pests
May be susceptible to gall mites, gall midge and aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to a leaf spot, powdery mildews, coral spot and sometimes honey fungus
Get involved
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