Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Grossulariaceae
Botanical Name
RIBES rubrum
Plant Common Name
Red Currant
General Description
Grown for its flavorful berries, this small to medium-sized deciduous shrub from Eurasia produces bunches of small translucent few-seeded fruits that ripen to red in early summer. They are preceded by drooping clusters of inconspicuous greenish flowers in early spring. High in vitamin C and other antioxidants, the tart fruits are excellent for jellies, sauces, and cooked desserts, and are also eaten fresh. Plants are self-fruitful. The toothed, three-lobed, maple-like leaves are medium-green and hairless. Numerous cultivars are available, including red-, white-, and pink-fruited selections. This plant sometimes escapes gardens via self-sowing.
For best growth and fruiting, plant this shrub in full to partial sun and moist well-drained soil. Extremely cold-hardy, it requires some winter chill to perform well. In climates with hot summers, choose a site that has little or no afternoon sun. Mulch the plant to help provide even moisture and cool the soil. Remove two-year old stems to make room for new stems that are more productive and to allow sun to reach all the stems.
Use red currant in mixed edible plantings and hedges. As a possible alternate host for white pine blister rust, it may be banned in areas where that disease is extant (http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/FactSheets/wpineblister/wpineblister.htm). Some cultivars such as 'Rondom' are rust resistant.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
7 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 8
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Plant Type
Fruit
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m
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Width
4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring
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Native To
Europe, Central Asia, Western Asia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Summer
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Green
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Fruit Color
White, Red, Pink, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow, Green
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Bark Color
Tan, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
