Ribes viburnifolium

RHS Plant Profile
Catalina currant

Synonyms

Ribes viburnumifia

Shrubs

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

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Grossulariaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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