How to Grow Flowering Currant (Ribes Sanguineum)
What is Flowering Currant?
Flowering currant, also known as Ribes sanguineum, is a beautiful deciduous shrub that produces clusters of pink or red flowers in early spring. It’s a fast-growing plant that can reach heights of up to 3 meters.
Growing Conditions
Flowering currant prefers to grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a range of soil types, from acidic to alkaline.
Planting
- When to plant: The best time to plant flowering currant is in autumn or early spring.
- Spacing: Plant flowering currant plants at least 2 meters apart to allow for adequate airflow and prevent diseases.
Care
Flowering currant is a relatively low-maintenance shrub, but it does require some basic care:
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Mulching: Add a layer of mulch around the plant to keep the soil moist and suppress weeds.
Pruning
Prune flowering currant in spring after the flowers have faded. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood, and prune back the tips of the branches to encourage bushy growth.
Propagation
You can propagate flowering currant by taking softwood or hardwood cuttings.
Pests and Diseases
Flowering currant is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including aphids, powdery mildew, and leaf spot.
Varieties of Flowering Currant
There are many different varieties of flowering currant available, each with its own unique characteristics:
- Ribes sanguineum ‘King Edward VII’: Bright crimson flowers, upright growth habit
- Ribes sanguineum ‘Pulborough Scarlet’: Deep pink flowers, upright growth habit
- Ribes sanguineum ‘Brocklebankii’: Pale pink flowers, compact growth habit
- Ribes sanguineum ‘Elkington’s White’: White flowers, delicate appearance
- Ribes sanguineum White Icicle: Compact shrub with cascading white flowers
- Ribes sanguineum Oregon Snowflake: Dependable variety with white flowers and deeply lobed foliage
