Red flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum)

Also known as: Flowering currant, Winter currant

The shrub you're referring to is likely the Red Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum). This deciduous plant forms a rounded, bushy shape when grown in full sun. In spring through summer, it produces numerous small blooms ranging from pinkish-red to pale-pink, which are highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Additionally, in mid-summer, the shrub yields blue-black berries that appeal to various wildlife.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Red flowering currant

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

2 m

Spread

2 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

5 mm to 1 cm

Flower Color

Red Pink White

Images of Red flowering currant

Quickly Identify Red flowering currant

Matte green leaves with 3-5 lobes and irregularly serrated edges.

Pendulous racemes of white, pink, or deep red flowers in spring.

Purple or blue-black berries with a noticeable white glaucous coating.

Upright stem covered in fine pubescence, aging from dark green to grayish brown.

Bark transitions from orange-red to grayish-brown, peeling with maturity.

Scientific Classification of Red flowering currant

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Saxifragales

Family

Currant

Genus

Currants

Species

Red flowering currant

Planting and Growing of Red flowering currant

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

55-70℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Red flowering currant?

Ribes sanguineum enjoüy a consistent moisture level, meaning it needs deep watering sessions. Ensure water penetrates to the root level – a good 500ml should suffice at a time, saturating the soil, yet preventing standing water.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Red flowering currant? ›

What should I do if my Red flowering currant is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Red flowering currant? ›

How to save an overwatered Red flowering currant? ›

More About Watering Techniques→

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Red flowering currant?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

Ribes sanguineum thrives best with partial sun exposure, benefiting from a balanced amount of sunlight and shade. Ideal lighting encourages robust growth and enhances flowering potential.

What is the best location for Ribes sanguineum? ›

How can I ensure Ribes sanguineum gets enough light? ›

Why is partial sun ideal for Ribes sanguineum? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Red flowering currant?

Ideal Temperature: 55 ~ 70℉

For optimal growth, Ribes sanguineum thrives in a temperature range of 55°F to 70°F. This range supports robust vegetative and reproductive growth, ensuring healthy leaves and vibrant flowers. Maintaining consistent temperatures within this range allows the plant to maximize its photosynthesis and nutrient uptake processes, thereby resulting in stronger growth and an abundant flowering season.

What Soil is Best for Red flowering currant?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Ribes sanguineum thrives in well-drained soil, which prevents waterlogging and root rot. This type of soil allows excess water to filter through seamlessly, ensuring the roots have the right amount of moisture alongside ample aeration. While needing well-drained soils, it is crucial to balance with moisture retention to sustain plant growth. Loamy soils are ideal as they retain moisture without becoming waterlogged, providing the plant with consistent hydration levels. A nutrient-rich substrate ensures robust growth with vibrant foliage and abundant flowering. Regularly amended soils enriched with organic matter like compost can offer an additional boost of nutrients, making the plant healthier and more resilient. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Red flowering currant?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Ribes sanguineum, it's recommended to apply liquid fertilizer at a concentration that offers 1/4 strength of a balanced 10-10-10 NPK nutrient formula. This prevents nutrient burn while ensuring the plant receives adequate nutrition. When using slow-release granular fertilizer, apply approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons per plant, distributed evenly around the base, just beyond the root zone. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Red flowering currant?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Ribes sanguineum flowers in spring; therefore, the best time to prune is immediately after flowering. This allows the plant to establish new growth that will bear next year's blooms. When cutting back stems, always prune back to an outward-facing bud. This encourages new growth to develop in a direction that promotes an open, attractive shape and prevents congestion in the center. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Red flowering currant plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Late spring,Early spring

Select healthy stems free from disease and pests. Use pruning shears to cut a 4-6 inch long section just below a node. Remove leaves from the lower half to reduce water loss.

Fill propagation trays with seed-starting mix and plant seeds ½ inch deep, spacing them uniformly. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and cover with plastic to retain humidity.

Insert the prepared cutting into the propagation medium, such as moist sand or a peat-perlite mix, ensuring at least one node is below the surface. Firm the medium around the cutting.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Red flowering currant plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

For Ribes sanguineum, repotting is signaled when roots start peeking through the drainage holes or the growth appears stunted. These signs indicate that the plant is root-bound and requires additional space for optimal growth, making spring the ideal season due to its active growth period.

Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one, with sufficient drainage holes. A slightly larger pot ensures more space for root expansion without overwhelming the plant, promoting healthy growth and preventing waterlogging issues.

Opt for a well-draining potting mix enriched with organic matter. This type of soil balances moisture retention and drainage, providing the roots with essential nutrients while preventing root rot, making it ideal for Ribes sanguineum.

Toxicity

None

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.